News release

For immediate release 

Share your beat the heat tips and heat preparedness questions to be entered in a draw to win one of five $50 gift certificates to a local ice cream parlour of your choice!

 

Warmer weather is coming, prepare to beat the heat this summer

Saanich, BC – Despite the recent cooler days, warmer weather is coming, and we’re encouraging all residents to prepare to beat the heat this summer by following some simple home cooling tips to help lower indoor temperatures during the next heat wave.

“We saw record-high temperatures last year, and weather conditions are once again expected to be hotter-than-usual,” said Sustainability Manager Rebecca Newlove. “Taking the time to plan ahead will help ensure safe and hopefully comfortable temperatures in your home this summer.”

As average summer temperatures increase and extreme heat and air quality alerts become more commonplace, we need to begin proactively preparing ourselves and adapting to a new climate. In the same way sunscreen and water can help protect you from the elements while outdoors, we can take steps to beat the heat indoors.

Tips to beat the heat

Reduce indoor sources of heat: To reduce indoor heat generation during extreme heat events, avoid cooking indoors or doing laundry on the hottest days of the year or the hottest part of the day. To save energy and keep your home cool on laundry days, wash your clothes in cold water and let them line dry. Minimize the use of a dishwasher and switch to energy-efficient light bulbs.

Keep heat and smoke out of your home: Providing outside shading, especially on the southern or western sides of your home, can help cool the inside of your home. Outdoor shading options include installing external window shades, awnings or overhangs and planting trees in front of windows. Consider installing blackout curtains or other reflective material to keep out the sun’s heat.

Choose efficient air conditioning: Installing a heat pump is the recommended option for single-family home upgrades. Heat pumps can be up to 50% more energy efficient than a typical window air-conditioning unit.

Natural Resources Canada offers advice on air conditioning, including free-standing portable units, if a heat pump isn’t an option.

For multi-unit buildings, learn more about heat pumps for stratas in this four-minute video, or check out other helpful resources and webinar recordings (January 8, 2022 webinar) shared by the Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association. 

Improve air quality: Did you know that a heat pump, in addition to heating and cooling your home, also provides air filtration? Visit CleanBC for more information. A heat pump is a great climate adaptation measure to ensure your home is resilient to warmer and smokier summers. 

Purchasing an air purifier is another option to improve indoor air quality. Visit Natural Resources Canada for more information on air purifiers.

Enter to win a family ice cream outing

Proactively prepare for future heat events and take actions to reduce the risks and impacts of extreme heat on your health and safety. Follow @Saanich on Twitter and on Facebook from June 1 to June 8, 2022 for information and tips to prepare for a heat event. Saanich residents are encouraged to share their beat the heat tips and ask heat preparedness questions to be entered in a draw to win one of five $50 gift certificates to a local ice cream parlour of your choice!

Learn more

View our tips on How to stay cool at home in extreme heat and review the information below. You can also visit CleanBC web pages for more tips on keeping your home cool in the summer and information on rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades.

For emergency preparedness information on extreme heat, visit the Saanich Emergency Program webpage and follow @saanichEP on Twitter for local emergency information. 

-30-

Media contact:
Erika Schade
Communications Manager
erika.schade@saanich.ca
250-812-0952