7 Ways to keep cool at home this summer without AC

Summers in Canada are getting hotter year over year, with 2026 predicted to be among the hottest years on record. But approximately 37 per cent of homes in Canada don’t have air conditioners—meaning that the temperature indoors can become uncomfortable and even dangerous.  

Vulnerable individuals like young kids, older adults, mentally ill and disabled persons and pets are especially susceptible to the health effects of high temperatures. Preparing for extreme heat is necessary to stay safe and cool.  

Whether you’re living in a home without air conditioning for the first time or you’re trying to keep everyone in the family safe, here are our top safety tips to cool your home without AC this summer.  

Quick cooling tips

The freezer and shower are your best friends during a heat wave. A cool shower or bath is a good way to regulate your body temperature quickly. Wetting your hair and letting it air-dry will also help cool you down.  

Store some cold cloths or towels in your freezer and apply them to areas like your wrists or neck when you start to overheat. Damp cloths on the forehead or back of the neck are also great alternatives.  

Avoid applying ice or plastic cold packs directly on your skin. Even in hot weather, frostbite and ice burn are dangers you should be aware of. Wrap ice packs in a towel to protect your skin.  

Keep the heat out

Where possible, don’t run heat-generating appliances during the day. This includes the oven, but it also includes others you might not consider—like the washer, the dryer and the dishwasher.  

Keep the curtains drawn during the day. You may not realize it, but direct sunlight can heat your space fast! Reflective window films are also an effective way to block light. Large indoor plants and potted trees can create shade in your home throughout the day, too. 

Use fans and natural ventilation  

Keep windows open as long as the outside temperature is cooler than the inside temperature. If possible, open two windows on opposite sides of the space to create cross-ventilation. Positioning a fan by an open window can also help bring cool air into the home.  

To rig a DIY air conditioner, fill a glass or metal bowl with ice and place it in front of a fan. The fan will push the cold air through the room.  

Stay cool at night  

Extreme heat can impact your sleep and ruin your day before it begins. Switch to cool sheets like satin, silk, or cotton rather than polyester or flannel. If you need a blanket to sleep, pop it in the freezer for a few minutes and pull it out when you’re ready to go to bed.   

Since heat rises, consider moving your mattress to the floor or inflating a temporary air mattress to sleep on. 

Update your home throughout the year  

You can add shade to your yard throughout the year to keep things cool over the long term. By planting trees in your yard or installing awnings, you can reduce the direct sunlight hitting your home.  

Landscaping techniques can also reduce heat absorption, such as using light-coloured materials on your home’s exterior and planting drought-resistant plants around it. 

Check that your windows are properly insulated, and install weatherstripping if they don’t already have it.  

Beware of urban heat islands 

Parking lots, buildings, roads, and dark surfaces heat up faster and retain heat more than green spaces and bodies of water. If you live in an urban area, consider getting out of the city and heading to places where you can cool off, like the beach, pool, splash pad, or a well-shaded park, if you need an oasis from the scorching sun.  

Just remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and dress in light-coloured clothes to keep cool outdoors.  

Protect your pets  

Animals can suffer during extreme heat, and only you can ensure they have the care they need. Extreme heat and intense humidity reduce an animal’s ability to cool itself down through panting.  

Limit exercise on hot days and keep your pet out of the sun as much as possible. Remember to never leave a pet alone in a hot home, backyard or car. Provide lots of water and shade. Use cold towels on their head, neck, and chest to cool them down, just as you would cool yourself.  

Taking a family trip to the beach or setting up a sprinkler in the backyard? Let Fido join in!