Team SC
Toronto: With only a few weeks until the official start of summer, Toronto’s sweltering heatwaves will soon arrive. But even before the start of the new season, Torontonians can expect to feel the humidity as early as this weekend, with temperatures reaching 35°C.
Many residents are fortunate enough to have air conditioning in their condos and homes, but this is not the case for everyone. According to 2017 data from Statistics Canada, only sixty percent of Canadian households are equipped with air conditioning.
There are a number of ways to cool off in the city, including cooling centres, wading pools, and public beaches and pools, but the pandemic has made many of these options inaccessible. Many are closed due to safety concerns, so when the heat becomes unbearable, it may feel as though there is nowhere to go but home.
Whether you reside in an older home or a location without air conditioning, it is still possible to stay cool during the summer. This summer, there are twelve great ways to stay cool without air conditioning.
Stay hydrated
When you feel hot, drinking water is the first and most important step in cooling down. Water consumption helps regulate body temperature and maintains hydration.
Apply cold compresses to your neck and wrists
Placing a cold cloth on your wrists or around your neck is an additional effective method for reducing body temperature. These pulse points are areas where blood vessels are close to the surface of the skin, so you will cool down faster.
Create A Crosswind
Fans do not necessarily make a room cooler because they merely circulate hot air. However, if you install two fans to create a cross breeze in your home, you may feel more comfortable in warmer temperatures. To generate a cross breeze, you must set up two air currents: one to blow cool air and one to remove hot air.
Take a chilly shower or bath
When the heat becomes intolerable, take a cold shower or bath to help cool your body by reducing its core temperature.
Construct a DIY “Air Conditioner”
Put your ice cube trays to good use! Place a shallow pan or bowl containing ice in front of a fan. As the ice melts, the fan will pick up the water droplets and distribute them throughout the room, creating a cool mist.
Close Doors to Unoccupied Rooms
If a room is unoccupied, be sure to seal it off so that only occupied areas of the house retain cool air.
Close your Blinds or Curtains
It is natural to seek shelter from the sun during a heatwave, so it is always a good idea to draw your curtains. Blackout curtains are the most effective because they completely block out sunlight. However, according to Consumer Reports, neutral-colored curtains with white plastic backings are the most effective at reflecting sunlight and can reduce heat gain by up to 33 percent.
Disregard the Stove and Oven
Using your stove or oven in the summer will only make your home hotter, which may seem obvious. Avoid these devices and opt for a barbecue instead. If you must cook, concentrate the heat in a single location, such as in a slow cooker. Or, attempt to cook outdoors in the morning, before it gets too hot, to keep the heat outside your home.
Sleep on Permeable Bedding
During the summer, you should replace your current sheets with cotton ones. Cotton sheets are made from natural fibres that are breathable and lightweight, allowing you to sleep cool. There are also moisture-wicking sheets for people who perspire excessively at night.
Evenings, please leave your windows open
Open your home’s windows in the evening to disperse the heat. Leaving them open overnight will allow cooler outside air to enter your home and prevent it from becoming stuffy. Just remember to close the windows before the temperature begins to rise in the morning.
Turn On Your Kitchen Exhaust Fan
Using your kitchen exhaust fan to remove hot, humid air from the room is a simple way to reduce your home’s temperature and reduce your energy costs. After your shower, be sure to also turn on your bathroom fan, as it functions in a similar manner by removing steam.
Sleep in the Basement
If you have trouble sleeping because your bedroom is too warm, you should sleep in the basement. Set up a temporary sleeping area in your home’s basement or lower level to enjoy cooler temperatures at night, as heat rises.
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