Summer in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area can be brutal—with soaring temperatures, sticky humidity, and A/C units working overtime. Whether you’re in Mississauga, Brampton, Etobicoke, or Toronto, you’ve likely felt the pinch on both comfort and your hydro bill.
But the good news? You don’t need a full HVAC overhaul to keep your home cool. A few simple adjustments and maintenance tips can make a big difference.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to staying cool and efficient this summer:
🌀 1. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Most people don’t realize this, but ceiling fans are designed to spin clockwise in winter and counter-clockwise in summer. The counter-clockwise spin pushes air downward, creating a wind-chill effect that helps cool you down.
🔧 How to do it: Look for a small switch on the fan’s motor housing to reverse the direction. Make sure the fan is off before flipping the switch.
🧼 2. Clean or Replace A/C Filters
A dirty filter makes your air conditioner work harder and less efficiently. If it’s clogged, airflow is restricted, reducing your system’s ability to cool the home effectively.
🗓 How often: Check monthly during peak usage months (June–August). Replace if it looks dusty or grey.
🌞 3. Block Out the Sun
South- and west-facing windows let in the most heat during the day. Using blinds, curtains, or reflective films can help reduce the indoor temperature without touching the thermostat.
🌡️ Bonus tip: Blackout curtains or cellular shades work best. Keep them closed during the hottest part of the day (1 PM – 5 PM).
🌬 4. Use Portable or Box Fans Strategically
Position fans near windows in the early morning and evening to bring in cooler outside air. At night, try facing one fan out the window to push hot air out and another facing in to draw cooler air in.
🪟 5. Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks around doors and windows can let your precious cool air escape and warm air sneak in. Sealing gaps with weather stripping or caulk keeps your indoor climate controlled and efficient.
🛠 Pro tip: Check for drafts by holding a candle near window edges. If the flame flickers, you’ve got a leak.
🛠 6. Don’t Forget Your A/C Itself
Even the best tips won’t help if your air conditioning unit is underperforming. A proper tune-up can improve cooling efficiency, detect minor issues early, and extend the life of your system.
✅ The easy way: Book a flat-rate A/C tune-up from a trusted local pro. No upsells, no vague quotes—just the fix.
Final Thought
Staying cool doesn’t have to mean cranking the A/C and hoping for the best. A few smart tweaks—and the occasional professional check-up—can help your home beat the GTHA heat while saving energy (and money).
Want to make sure your A/C is in top shape for the rest of the summer? Book a flat-rate tune-up today →
Disclaimer: The suggestions in this article are general in nature. Service pricing mentioned on RenoRepair.ca may vary by provider and scope. Always confirm service details before booking.