It's been two summers now, and when temperatures soared and wildfires ravaged our state, Oregonians retreated to their homes, closed windows to prevent smoke from entering, and sultry in record high temperatures.

These climate-induced extreme weather events are just the latest reason why people spend more time indoors-a year and a half have passed since the pandemic, and many non-essential employees are still working from home to slow the spread of COVID-19.

A good starting point is the house we are building today. This week Eugene took a crucial step in the right direction. It voted to pass Oregon’s first policy to phase out natural gas connections in new homes and buildings-a move that will expand household clean energy use and Reduce our state’s dependence on fossil fuels.

Guest comments: Use "human ecology" to meet our current reality

In times of crisis, our home is our refuge. In the next few months, we can hope that the worst consequences of this epidemic will disappear from the rearview mirror-but the fact is that the health risks of climate change will not. As temperatures rise, periods of wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and drought will become more frequent. It is time for Oregonians to consider whether their houses can withstand extreme weather.

Whether you are buying a house in the market, a renter wants to move, or a homeowner wants to upgrade, there are technologies you can find in your house to keep you and your family healthy in the face of climate change and help Solving the problem of fossil fuel pollution is the root cause of this crisis. 

First, let's talk about air conditioning. This summer, when Portland reached 116 degrees, we saw the impact of climate change on the maximum summer temperature. In a new, hotter reality, all households need to be cooled. However, if your home is one of the approximately 30% of homes in Oregon that lacks it, don’t rush to buy a traditional air conditioner—there are better options. 

Guest comment: Will Senator Ron Wyden meet at this moment to tackle climate change?

Heat pumps-an efficient technology that provides heating and cooling-are an excellent choice because they not only use less electricity than most traditional AC devices, but they also eliminate the need for gas stoves in winter. A recent report by Carbon Switch found that if all Americans switched to heat pumps to heat space and water, then households in Oregon could save an average of $733 in energy costs each year.

Next, let us discuss cooking utensils. If you can choose between electricity and natural gas at home, then there is obviously a choice-choose electricity. Gas stoves can release dangerous indoor air pollutants in the home, increasing the risk of asthma in children. Even if the outdoor air quality is good, the pollution caused by gas stoves is dangerous-but during wildfires, the indoor air pollution caused by gas stoves makes households nowhere to escape.  

Electric stoves are a healthier choice-Consumer Reports' recent performance comparison found that in most cases, electric stoves perform better than gas. The induction cooker has become a chef's favorite because of its fast cooking time and more precise temperature control. 

Finally, it’s important to find a house with rooftop solar — if you can swing it, a household battery system that keeps the lights on even if the grid goes out.

As a real estate agent engaged in renewable real estate-the emerging real estate field where we work with clients, we work with clients to make overall choices that contribute to the prosperity of mankind and the planet-we can tell you that few houses on the market can be very Deal with climate change well. Oregon must take more steps to expand the range of affordable climate-resilient homes through highly efficient appliances that can run 100% on renewable energy.

Our houses are our first line of defense against the climate impacts we have already seen and the changes that are coming. Let us make sure that they can help us withstand new extreme climates and fight the fossil fuel pollution that caused this crisis. 

Catia Juliana is Latitude's real estate agent. Alissa Collins is the co-founder of Latitude. Neil Collins is the co-founder of Latitude.

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