Tips to Beat The Record-Breaking Heat - Without Breaking The Bank

As Canada experiences an unprecedented start to summer — marking its earliest 30 °C day in early May and scorching records by late June — it’s clear: our climate is shifting. In over half of weather stations, the number of extreme heat days has surged since 1948.

With major urban centres, including Ontario and Quebec, enduring temperatures over 34 °C on June 22, many homes are seeing sharply higher electricity bills. July brought even more heat advisories.

But there's hope: with smart, cost-effective strategies, Canadians can keep cool and keep costs low. Read on for no-cost and low-cost tips.

No-Cost Energy-Saving Tips

• Block the sun all day long - Keep blinds or curtains closed, especially on south‑ and west‑facing windows, to significantly reduce heat gain.
• Fans + ice = DIY air conditioner - Position a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a fan to create cool airflow
• Evaporative cooling with a damp cloth or sheet - Hang a damp sheet or towel over an open window to cool incoming air.
• Turn off appliances that generate heat - Delay oven use and dryers until evening or use exhaust fans to remove heat when running them.
• Skip the heat function on your dishwasher and let your dishes air dry.
• Set fans to refresh air direction - Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down.
• Use ventilation fans in the kitchen/bathroom.
• Adjust thermostat strategically - Set air temperature to -26 °C when home and -29 °C when away — adding several degrees can slash cooling costs significantly.

Low-Cost Measures Under $50

• Light-coloured window film or foil - Reflects the sun before it heats windows, is easy to apply, and is cost-effective.
• Seal leaks - Use weather-stripping on windows and doors to keep cool air in and hot air out
• DIY reflective sun shades - Using tin foil or reflective boards placed outside windows during peak sunlight helps block heat before it enters.
• Use smart timers or plugs - Automate fans and portable AC to run only when needed, reducing wasted energy.
• Upgrade light bulbs - Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs as they generate less heat and use far less electricity.

Longer-Term Steps (Still Budget-Friendly)

• Tune up your AC: Clean/replace filters and clear space around outdoor units helps ensure efficient cooling.
• Roof and exterior painting: Light-coloured paint or “cool roof” coating can lower indoor temperature by 1–3 °C

By taking small steps at home, we can weather this summer's record-breaking temperatures and shield both our wallets and our well-being.

Whether it’s tips on keeping cool for less or finding ways to save on your home or tenant insurance, HUB SmartCoverage can help. Visit us today!