Keep Your Apartment Cool Without Cranking the A/C

Sunny days and warm evenings make Ontario summers something to look forward to. Enjoy the season with a few smart tricks that can save energy, cut costs, and help you live more sustainably. There are plenty of renter-friendly ways to keep your apartment cool without sacrificing comfort.

Here are our top tips for beating the heat; no thermostat needed.

Make Smart Use of Your Windows

Your windows are both your biggest friend and your greatest foe in summer. To make the most of them:

• Block sunlight during the hottest parts of the day by keeping blinds or curtains closed, especially in south- and west-facing rooms. Blackout curtains or thermal shades can dramatically reduce indoor heat buildup.
• Open windows in the early morning and late evening to let in cooler air. Open windows on opposite sides of your apartment to create cross-ventilation if possible.
• Try using a window fan in reverse mode (blowing air out) in one window and a regular fan near another window (blowing air in) to draw cooler air through the unit.

Rethink Your Lighting

Traditional incandescent light bulbs release a surprising amount of heat. If you haven’t already:

• Inquire about LEDs, which stay cool to the touch and use less energy.
• Limit unnecessary lighting during the day. Take advantage of natural daylight wherever possible and turn off unused lights in the evening.

Bonus tip: Dim lighting at night can help create a cooler, calmer vibe.

Cool Down Your Cooking

Stoves and ovens can significantly increase the indoor temperature. During peak summer months:

• Opt for no-cook meals like salads, wraps, or cold pasta dishes.
• Use smaller appliances like air fryers, toaster ovens, or slow cookers instead of your full oven.
• Grill outdoors if your building has a community BBQ area or a neighbourhood park with picnic facilities.

Even better, plan to prepare meals in the morning when your kitchen is cooler and reheat minimally at dinnertime.

Embrace the Power of Fans (Strategically)

Fans don’t actually lower the temperature, but they can make your body feel cooler through air circulation.

• Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise in summer to push cool air downward.
• Place a bowl of ice in front of a floor fan for a DIY chilled breeze.
• Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to remove heat and humidity from cooking and showering.

Remember to turn fans off when you’re not in the room as they cool people, not spaces.

Cool Yourself First

Sometimes the best way to cool down your apartment is to cool yourself. Simple tweaks to your routine can help:

• Wear light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen around the house.
• Take cool showers or soak your feet in a basin of cold water.
• Keep a chilled water bottle or cooling neck wrap in the fridge to beat sudden heat waves.

Want to go the extra mile? Pop your bed sheets or pillowcases in the freezer for a few minutes before bed for a burst of cooling comfort.

Sleep Smarter

Hot nights can make sleep elusive, but there are renter-friendly tricks that help:

• Use light-colored sheets made of natural, breathable fabrics like bamboo or cotton.
• Cross-breeze magic: Keep a fan near an open window to pull in cooler evening air while you sleep.

Add Indoor Plants with Cooling Benefits

Some houseplants can actually help cool the air by releasing moisture and slightly increasing humidity, which is excellent for dry, hot environments.

• Try aloe vera, areca palm, or snake plants, which require minimal care and look great year-round.
• Strategically placing plants near windows can also provide some natural shading while letting in light.

Keep Your Cool All Summer Long

You don’t have to crank the AC to enjoy a breezy, comfortable home. With a few intentional changes, your apartment can stay cool, efficient, and inviting, even on the hottest days.

Whether you’re looking to cut costs, live more sustainably, or outsmart the heat, these renter-friendly solutions will help you chill out—literally.