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Aug 14, 2023

Staying cool when the temps go up

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THESE SALTWIRE VIDEOS The 2023 Gallagher Open | SaltWire According to meteorologists, July may have been the hottest month ever recorded, and August may follow suit. Don’t get me

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THESE SALTWIRE VIDEOS

The 2023 Gallagher Open | SaltWire

According to meteorologists, July may have been the hottest month ever recorded, and August may follow suit. Don’t get me wrong, I love the sun and the heat, but there have been some hot days with little relief — even when I’ve been out on my boat in the middle of Lake Ontario. Earth is becoming warmer. I recently heard on the news that the water around Florida’s coast reached hot tub temperatures.

We need to find ways to ensure we and our homes stay at a healthy and comfortable level of coolness. Question is, how do we do this efficiently?

Well, one way is to consider a heat pump. We’ve been adding heat pumps to many of our recent home-renovation projects because they are more energy-efficient than air conditioners as they don’t consume as much electricity.

Ducted inverter split systems (heat pumps), are excellent for homes without an air conditioner. They can also be easily integrated into your existing system, making them a fantastic alternative to your old standard air conditioner when the time comes to replace it.

Thanks to the compressor, an inverter can use up to 20 — 40 per cent less power than a non-inverter air conditioner. This helps reduce energy costs without compromising on efficiency as it can quickly cool off any area. Plus, some models on the market are much quieter than older air conditioning units — which is great news for you and your neighbours.

Another option to consider if you’re looking to heat and cool a specific area — let’s say your sunroom — is a mini-split heat pump. Mini-split systems can be mounted anywhere and are an excellent alternative for ductless homes. What’s great is that they are compact, quiet, and typically remote-controlled.

Portable and window air conditioner units are also good options for concentrating on one area or room. While most window units are more efficient than portable units they are more cumbersome to install. They are also limited as they only work with specific size windows.

On the other hand, portable air conditioners can be set up in no time in any room, with the hose and window slider that adjusts to most window sizes. However, to be the most effective, they need to be as close to the window as possible to minimize the length of the hose.

No matter what system you choose, staying on top of its maintenance is very important to keep it performing at maximum efficiency. If you have a central air conditioner make sure to change the filters regularly, for optimal performance, and schedule regular service checks.

A programmable thermostat will also help your air conditioner be more efficient as you can manage your energy use and program your home to be cool only when needed. Set the thermostat to lower the temperature a few degrees before you arrive home, keeping you comfortable without wasting electricity all day.

Ceiling fans are another great way to keep a room cool and help with air circulation and keeps our bodies cool. To get the maximum cooling effect, ensure the fan runs counterclockwise to ensure the warmer air is drawn upward.

It’s no secret that the shade created by trees and foliage around your home does a great job of shielding it from the blazing sun, keeping your home from getting warm. However, remember to keep trees trimmed and a safe distance from your home so no unnecessary damage occurs during storms. Also watch out for power lines — if a power line is close to your tree it must be trimmed by a professional arborist.

Blinds and drapes also shield your home from the heat. Keep your blinds closed during hot summer days with the windows closed, and open them during the evenings when it’s cooler, to allow for air circulation. Also, consider thermal blinds and blackout drapes. Awnings are another great way to keep the heat out, too. Doing this will also prevent your air conditioner from working so hard.

Summertime and barbecues go hand-in-hand, so take advantage of the hot summer evenings and cook outdoors. Give your kitchen a rest and avoid the additional heat they create, making your air conditioner work harder. The same philosophy applies to your dishwasher and dryer — try using these at night or air dry your laundry.

Make the most of these warm, sometimes scorching summer days and weeks, but enjoy them responsibly and safely. Consider adopting some of these methods to help you and your home stay cool.

Residents of the GTA can apply for season 2 of Holmes Family Rescue atmakeitright.ca

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