Summer in Alberta can bring beautiful blue skies—and uncomfortable indoor heat. Cooling your space efficiently is key to staying comfortable without getting hit with high utility or electrical bills. Fortunately, there are plenty of smart, renter-friendly strategies that can help you beat the heat without busting your budget.
Maximize Natural Airflow
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to keep your apartment cool is to promote natural ventilation. Open windows during the cooler parts of the day—typically early morning and late evening—to let in fresh air. If your apartment has windows on opposite sides, take advantage of cross-ventilation by opening both to create a cooling breeze that flows through your home.
Adding a box fan to one window can also help push hot air out, while a fan in the opposite window pulls cooler air in. Just remember to close up once the outdoor temperature rises.
Use Fans Strategically
Fans are your best friend in the summer. They use a fraction of the electricity that air conditioners do, and when used correctly, they can make a room feel significantly cooler.
Try placing a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of a fan to create a DIY air conditioner. You’ll get a cool mist that circulates around the room. Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise in summer to push air downward—check the settings if yours is adjustable.
Keep Curtains and Blinds Closed During Peak Hours
Sunlight streaming through your windows may look beautiful, but it’s also a major source of indoor heat. During peak sun hours (generally 11 am to 4 pm), keep your blinds or curtains closed to block out solar heat.
An effective way to insulate your space is by using blackout curtains. These heavy-duty window coverings do more than darken a room—they also help block out solar heat, especially during the hottest parts of the day. By installing blackout curtains in key areas, like south- or west-facing windows, you can significantly reduce indoor temperatures and relieve the burden on fans or A/C units. Many options are renter-friendly and easy to install using tension rods or adhesive hooks, making them a simple yet impactful upgrade to stay comfortable during the summer months.
Limit Heat from Electronics and Appliances
Everyday tasks like cooking, doing laundry, or even using your computer can add unexpected warmth to your apartment. To minimize this effect, try preparing meals with appliances that emit less heat, like an air fryer or slow cooker. When weather permits and if you're able to, cooking outdoors on a barbecue is a great alternative that keeps the heat outside.
Save heat-generating chores such as laundry and dishwashing for the cooler evening hours, and be sure to shut down devices when they’re not in use, as many continue to give off heat even in standby mode.
Switch to LED Bulbs
Lighting can be an unexpected source of warmth. If your apartment still uses incandescent bulbs, consider switching to LEDs. They not only use less energy but also emit far less heat, making them an easy upgrade that improves both your comfort and your energy savings.
Close Doors to Unused Rooms
If you’re not using certain rooms throughout the day, keep the doors closed. This helps contain the cooler air in the areas where you spend most of your time and prevents warm air from circulating throughout your entire apartment.
Create a Cooler Sleep Setup
Getting a good night’s sleep during a heatwave can be tough, especially without air conditioning. One of the best ways to beat the heat at night is to make simple changes to your bedding. Start by switching out heavy comforters and flannel sheets for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, which allow better airflow and help wick away moisture.
You can also chill a hot water pack in the freezer and place it at the foot of your bed before sleep to create a cooling effect. Another trick is placing your sheets or pillowcases in the freezer for a few minutes before bedtime for an instant cooling boost. These small changes can make a big difference in helping you rest comfortably during even the warmest summer nights.
Seal Drafts and Block Out Heat
While we often think of sealing drafts as a part of winterizing your apartment, it’s equally useful in the summer. Warm air can creep in through poorly sealed windows and doors. Use weather stripping or removable draft blockers to keep the hot air out and the cool air in—both easy and reversible solutions for renters.
Ask Your Property Manager About Cooling Options
If you’re unsure about what cooling devices are allowed or recommended in your apartment, don’t hesitate to reach out to your property management team. At Ayre & Oxford, we’re always happy to help our residents stay comfortable year-round, whether that means clarifying A/C policies or offering additional suggestions tailored to your unit.
You don’t have to choose between sweating it out and overspending on energy bills this summer. With a few mindful changes and strategic habits, you can keep your apartment cool, comfortable, and affordable all season long.