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The summer of 2025 has arrived in full force, and it’s hotter than ever. Across the country, cities are seeing earlier and more extreme heat waves, pushing thermometers past 34 °C and driving up energy costs for Canadian households.

As more of us look for affordable ways to keep our homes cool without overloading the air conditioner, the good news is that there are plenty of smart, inexpensive strategies to help you stay comfortable and save money.

No-Cost Energy-Saving Tips

• Block the sun all day long - Keep blinds or curtains closed, especially on south‑ and west‑facing windows, to significantly reduce heat gain.
• Fans + ice = DIY air conditioner - Position a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a fan to create cool airflow
• Evaporative cooling with a damp cloth or sheet - Hang a damp sheet or towel over an open window to cool incoming air.
• Turn off appliances that generate heat - Delay oven use and dryers until evening or use exhaust fans to remove heat when running them.
• Skip the heat function on your dishwasher and let your dishes air dry.
• Set fans to refresh air direction - Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down.
• Use ventilation fans in the kitchen/bathroom.
• Adjust thermostat strategically - Set air temperature to -26 °C when home and -29 °C when away — adding several degrees can slash cooling costs significantly.

Low-Cost Measures Under $50

• Light-coloured window film or foil - Reflects the sun before it heats windows, is easy to apply, and is cost-effective.
• Seal leaks - Use weather-stripping on windows and doors to keep cool air in and hot air out
• DIY reflective sun shades - Using tin foil or reflective boards placed outside windows during peak sunlight helps block heat before it enters.
• Use smart timers or plugs - Automate fans and portable AC to run only when needed, reducing wasted energy.
• Upgrade light bulbs - Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs as they generate less heat and use far less electricity.

Longer-Term Steps (Still Budget-Friendly)

• Tune up your AC: Clean/replace filters and clear space around outdoor units helps ensure efficient cooling.
• Roof and exterior painting: Light-coloured paint or “cool roof” coating can lower indoor temperature by 1–3 °C

By taking small steps at home, we can weather this summer's record-breaking temperatures and shield both our wallets and our well-being.

Looking for more ways to protect what matters, from your home to your household budget? Explore how HUB Customer Central can help you stay covered, whatever the weather brings.