13 Ways to Cool Your Home in Summer

Global warming and the ecological crisis: Reducing our carbon footprint has become a real issue. And in addition to being beneficial for our planet, saving energy on cooling you home could have a positive impact on the price of your home insurance. Read our tips on how to save on your home insurance, or contact one of the 2,000 brokers and agencies we work with about possible discounts.

1. Close the windows, blinds and curtains during the day

During the day, the temperature rises so it's time to block the sun's rays if you want to keep a little freshness in your rooms. It is recommended to close your windows and curtains before the temperature rises, especially for those rooms exposed to direct daylight. Closing the blinds and curtains will also help to protect your furniture from potential sun damage.

2. Open the windows at night

In the evening, or as soon as temperature drops, you can open the windows again to let a fresh breeze in and expel the heat accumulated in your home. This technique should be effective if you do not forget to close your windows during the day!

3. Unplug electrical appliances

Electrical appliances give off heat even when they’re in sleep mode, so remember to unplug them or turn them off completely when not in use. This applies to your laptop, your phone, the television but also the household appliances. Try to avoid using the washing machine, dryer or oven during heat waves.

4. Turn off the lights

We do not always think about it, but light bulbs also emit heat! Try to make do with sunlight during the day. You can also buy energy-saving light bulbs, including compact fluorescent and LED bulbs, which save energy and give off much less heat.

5. Decorate your home with green plants

Trivia time! Have you heard of evapotranspiration? This natural phenomenon observed in plants will make all the difference to your home this summer. Your green plants release water vapour which helps to refresh and cool down your home. Get creative by getting different varieties in your home, from potted plants in your bedroom and living room to climbing plants on outdoor walls exposed to the sun. The more plants the better when it comes to lowering the temperature! 

6. Install awnings or shades

Using these techniques outside your windows can provide shade and make a big difference to the amount of heat that gets into your home during the summer. Of course, trees do a great job of this, but if you don’t have them in the right spot then installing awnings can be a great alternative to reduce the amount of direct sunlight that enters your home.

7. Buy a fan

If you have tried several tricks but nothing seems to be able to keep the heat wave away from your home, investing in a good fan is still more economical than an air conditioner. Consider putting your fan on its rotating mode so that it circulates air around the whole the room, rather than leaving it fixed on you. You can also place frozen water bottles in front of the fan to make an extra-fresh breeze. Remember to turn off your fans when you leave the room to save energy.

8. Use a dehumidifier

This trick can help to provide some relief in summer on those humid, sticky days. A dehumidifier reduces the level of humidity in the air which can reduce the feeling of heat and make the atmosphere less oppressive. However, the downside is that the dehumidifier produces hot air, so it is not recommended during a heat wave.

9. Hang a damp sheet in front of your window

This simple technique will help to cool your home because the sheet will absorb some of the heat. When it is dry, do not hesitate to soak it again in water before hanging it in the same place. You can also hang wet laundry under your window for a similar effect.

10. Close the doors

If you don't use a room regularly, remember to keep the door closed. The fresh air that you have managed to get in the rooms where you are more often will stay there. For example, keep garage or laundry doors closed if you spend most of your day in the living room and bedroom. 

11. Turn on the extractor fan in the bathroom

If it's too hot in your home, you can turn on the extractor fan in your bathroom or kitchen for a while. This will help to refresh the room if you open the door at the same time. This technique consumes energy, so we recommend that you try the other tips mentioned first and use this as a last resort!

12. Check your home's insulation

All our tips will not be very effective if your home is poorly insulated! It is important to minimize heat transfer at through walls, roofs and floor. Make sure windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent warm air from entering and fresh air from escaping. Insulation is one of the first things to inspect when looking for a new apartment as tenant. You can read our apartment inspection checklist for more tips on what to look for.

13. Choose light colours

If your walls are dark in colour, it may be time to consider a fresh coat of paint! Opt for light colours or reflective materials on your roof and exterior walls. Lighter colours absorb less heat from the sun, so your home stays cooler.

14. Use reflective window coverings

Consider using reflective window coverings, such as window films or sun visors, which can reduce the heat by reflecting sunlight away from your windows.

You now have several alternative solutions to air conditioning to help you stay cool at home this summer! You can check out the Government of Canada’s article for more tips to help you reduce your energy bill and protect the environment.

Keep in mind that every home is different, and the effectiveness of our strategies may vary depending on your home. You can experiment with different methods to find the combination that best suits your home! Finally, remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Enjoy the summer with peace of mind knowing that Intact Insurance covers your back and protects your home!