Prepare now for this week's heat wave

PORTLAND Oregon (KPTV) – As we approach the first major heat wave of the summer, it’s important to start preparing your home now. Starting Thursday, the FOX 12 weather team says it’ll be over 90 degrees for about a week, if not longer.

Patrick Hoye of Ankeny Hardware in Southeast Portland said they are well prepared for the rush to buy air conditioners. They have been selling steadily all summer, but they expect a big rush Friday because, he said, many customers typically wait until the last minute.

“We’ve had good, good sales and that’s going to continue,” Hoye said. “As other places are running out of inventory, we’re not, so they’re sending us the people they can’t help.”

Hoye said now is not the time to wait. Even if you have central air conditioning, if you haven’t turned it on since last summer, there’s a chance it won’t work. He advises testing the air conditioning now, so you don’t have to seek repairs in the heat and during the holidays.

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The state of Oregon is making steps to help accommodate those most vulnerable to heat.

“HVAC repair people are busy… You don’t want to wait a week or two for a guy to come out if you can fix it yourself,” Hoye said, explaining that if you are able to diagnose a problem with your central unit, they have tools to help you with the repair.

“Provided you are reasonably skilled,” Hoye added.

If you don’t have central air conditioning, Hoye said they have about 500 portable and window units ready. With an excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service this week, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“You buy it this year, even if you don’t use it much this year, you’ll have it for next year,” Hoye said. “Before I had central air conditioning, I had a portable air conditioner that you could just move around and have right at your fingertips.”

Ankeny Hardware advises that if you are purchasing a new unit, you should bring measurements of the room you will be keeping it in to ensure you get the most efficient air conditioning for your space.

FOX 12 also checked in at Home Depot, Lowes and Fred Meyer, which are also stocked.