HEAT SURVIVAL GUIDE

Stay Cool This Summer Without Air

NICK GATLIN

Summers in Portland are becoming increasingly hotter, and many people living in areas with the highest heat risk have no air conditioning—including Portland State housing.

I live in one of the hottest parts of the city without air conditioning this summer, so I have focused on finding ways to survive in the heat. Here are a few of the solutions I’ve been able to come up with, ranked from most to least effective.

Air Conditioning

If you live in a building which allows air conditioning units, the simplest solution is to install a unit. Of course, that’s easier said than done. Air conditioning units cost hundreds of dollars and not every living space supports a window-mounted unit. However, if cost is the only issue, it may be worth contacting a community distribution partner with the Cooling Portland program. The program works with community organizations like the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon and the Latino Network to provide cooling units to people in need.

Under the terms of Oregon Senate Bill 1536—also known as the Tenant Right to Cooling Bill—it appears every landlord in the state must allow the installation of air conditioning units, as long as they follow specific guidelines. As always, check your lease and seek out legal advice as needed.

Evaporative Coolers

Evaporative coolers—also called swamp coolers—do work, especially in a relatively dry climate like Portland. These use less