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10 Ways to Cool Off Your Home for Summer

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Air Conditioners, HVAC

Action Furnace helps homeowners in Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer stay cool throughout Alberta’s hot summers with ac installation, maintenance, and tune-ups. Here are our top tips for supplementing your cooling system and saving energy while lowering the temperature in your home.

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Posted by Ryan | July 23, 2023

The summer season in Alberta brings joy, outdoor adventures, and… heatwaves! Staying cool indoors is vital during our province’s hottest months, so you’ll want to make sure you have an effective way to keep the temperature in your home comfortable.

Installing an air conditioner is a must for most homeowners, but there are other things you can do to supplement your cooling system and lower the cost of comfort in hot weather. Below, our team at Action Furnace presents ten expert tips to cool off your home during those sizzling Alberta summers.

New air conditioner outdoor unit installed near Alberta home

1. Install an Air Conditioner

Air conditioning remains one of the absolute most cost-effective ways to lower your indoor temperature. Depending on the type of home you have and the amount of space you need to cool, you may want to invest in central AC or go with a ductless system.

  • Ductless Air Conditioning: Ideal for cooling a single room, providing targeted comfort.
  • Central Air Conditioning: An optimal solution for cooling the entire home, integrating with existing ductwork.

Tip: Consult professionals to understand the best air conditioning option for your home. Our team can recommend the best kind of unit for your needs and make sure it’s the correct size to provide efficient cooling.

Learn more about different kinds of air conditioning here.

Professional AC Technician installing AC unit at a residential home

2. Air Conditioner Maintenance

Proper maintenance keeps your air conditioner performing properly, increasing the longevity of your system and keeping your monthly cooling bills as low as possible. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your system:

  • Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones every month during the cooling season.
  • Vacuum around your vents and check your ductwork for leaks on a regular basis.
  • Remove any blockages around your outdoor unit.

Tip: Schedule an AC tune-up with a professional each year.

Book a tune-up for your AC here.

Woman drawing curtains to cool home on hot summer day in Alberta

3. Manage Your Windows & Blinds

Windows and blinds keep sunlight (and the heat it brings) out of your home. Here are some easy strategies for using them effectively without plunging your home into darkness all summer.

  • Close windows and blinds during the hottest part of the day (usually around 3PM when heat builds up).
  • Open them when the temperature outside is cooler (in the early morning and at night).

Tip: Smart window management can save up to 7% on cooling costs monthly!

Humidity inside Alberta home in summer demonstrated by condensation on window surface

4. Limit In-Home Humidity

High humidity levels can make the Alberta heat feel unbearable. Control your home’s humidity by:

  • Using an air conditioner or dehumidifier.
  • Keeping humidity levels between 45-55% for ideal summer comfort.

Tip: Managing humidity also prevents mould and bacteria growth in your home.

Learn more about adding a humidifier to your home here.

Woman sitting in front of fan in Alberta home to relax during hot summer

5. Improve Fan Functionality

Maximize the efficiency of fans by:

  • Cleaning blades regularly.
  • Polishing blades with furniture or metal polish.
  • Tightening screws and oiling motors.

Tip: Well-maintained fans help circulate cool air more effectively.

Hand unplugging appliance from wall outlet to reduce heat during Alberta summer

6. Unplug Appliances

Small differences have a big impact. Unplugging appliances while they’re not in use minimizes heat production and helps you keep the interior of your home cool.

Tip: Smart energy habits not only cool your home but save on electricity.

Hand replacing old light bulb with energy efficient new one to reduce heat in home during Alberta summer

7. Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Lighting choices make a difference. Switch to CFLs or LEDs to minimize heat pollution.

Tip: Energy-efficient light bulbs can save up to 75% energy compared to traditional ones.

Bathroom fan running to help cool down Alberta home during hot summer

8. Turn On The Bathroom Fan

Keep bathroom fans running to gather hot air and lower moisture content.

Tip: Exhaust fans aid in circulating air and keeping humidity levels in check.

Family grilling food outside instead of cooking to help keep home cool during hot Alberta summer

9. Avoid Cooking Inside

Heat from cooking appliances can warm your home, so consider making these easy adjustments during summer weather:

  • Grill outside or choose no-heat meals.
  • Use ovens early morning or evening to minimize heat.

Tip: Cooking outside adds fun to summer meals and keeps your home cool.

Closed windows in Alberta home during summer to keep cool air from escaping

10. Keep Doors & Windows Closed

When using AC, limit the space being cooled by closing doors and windows. You don’t want the cool air your system is working hard to produce to escape!

Tip: An efficient cooling system lowers energy bills and enhances comfort.

It’s Cool to Seek Professional Cooling Help

Summer should be a season of relaxation and joy, not struggling with indoor heat. Finding the most cost-effective way to cool your home might seem challenging—but it’s what we do here at Action Furnace. Our experienced technicians can assist you in finding the perfect cooling solutions for your lifestyle. Whether you need a new air conditioner installed, routine maintenance, or advice on how to make the best possible use of your cooling system, we’re here to help.

Contact us today, and join the cool kids enjoying comfortable, energy-efficient summers in Alberta. Stay cool, stay smart, and trust Action Furnace to keep your summer serene.

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Written by Ryan Tutak

Ryan is considered one of Calgary's most knowledgeable residential HVAC specialists. Working in the industry for over 12 years, he's helped thousands of homeowners with their heating and cooling systems. Outside of running Calgary's most reputable HVAC business, you can find him on the Golf course practicing his short game or traveling with his family. His main goal is to create a positive collaborative culture, one in which his employees are excited to come in and are motivated to work hard. He spends the majority of his day working directly with Home Comfort Advisors, Service and Maintenance Technicians, and Customer Service Representatives ensuring they are fully prepared to lead the Home Service Industry in Customer Service.

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