Is your icebox one of the most frequently visited places in your home during the summer months? Is the temperature in your home so intolerably high that the only place you dream to be is Iceland? Every summer, this is a common scenario that impacts millions of homeowners in Toronto and elsewhere. Here we introduce some tricks to help you prepare for the long hot summer next year.

Air-conditioning: the most accessible solution

The internal temperature of our homes can be reduced by several ways, let’s take a short look at them. The conventional air-conditioner is probably the most effective, but also the most expensive solution. If this is your favourite option, then there are some practical tips to ensure you are getting the best value possible from your AC unit. First, it is important to measure the size of your house or apartment and according to that pick the correct AC machine. For a standard home with two bedrooms, a 5,000 btu AC is usually enough. Place the unit in a window on the north-facing wall of the building if possible. This will ensure optimum conditions for the machine which will allow it to work more efficiently. Clean the internal filters at least once each month to prevent house dust from building up and having a negative effect on its performance. If you plan on leaving your house for more than one hour, then it is more economical to turn your AC off and to re-cool the rooms when you come back.

Possibilities for green-thinking people

How to solve the heat problem if you don’t want to use these power-hungry appliances because of environmental reasons? Well, there are several ways to decrease the internal temperature without contributing to global warming by excessive and unnecessary use of CO2 producing fossil fuels. We will begin with the top of your house and proceed downwards step by step.

Roof

It is a commonly known fact that heat transfers more easily through some materials than others. For roofing materials, such as tiles or shingles, that is especially valid. If you want to save on air-conditioning, think about applying a good-quality insulation to your attic space. A 12-inch layer instead of a 3-inch may decrease the cooling budget by as much as 10 percent.

To read the rest of the story, please follow the Keeping your Toronto home cool article.