Beat the Heat: Cool Tips During a Heat Wave

Summer in the Okanagan Valley can be a dream with its stunning lakes, breathtaking vineyards, and long, sunny days. But when a heat wave hits, staying cool is top of mind. There are simple, effective heat wave tips to keep your house or condo cool.

1. Keep Windows and Blinds Closed During the Day

While it may feel counterintuitive, keeping your windows closed during the hottest parts of the day can make a huge difference. Here’s why and how:

Why: The Okanagan sun is blazing during peak hours (around 11 am to 5 pm), and leaving your windows or blinds open lets heat pour into your home.

Pro Tip: Have Solar Control window film installed on your windows to control the sun’s heat, harsh brightness, and harmful UV rays without losing the view.

Once the temperature drops in the evening and early morning, slide those windows open to enjoy the cooler air.

2. Create Cross-Ventilation for a Natural Cool

When the temperature goes down outdoors, make the most of it by setting up cross-ventilation in your home.

How-to: Open windows on opposite sides of your house or condo to allow the breeze to flow through. Pair this with a fan to speed up air circulation.

Pro Tip: The outdoor temperature is coolest in the early morning hours, open the windows while getting ready for work to let the cool air in.

3. Use Fans Strategically

Fans are a must-have for beating the heat, but strategic placement is key. Here’s how to get the most out of them:

Ceiling Fans: Adjust the rotation setting to counter-clockwise in summer mode. This pushes cool air down, creating a wind-chill effect.

Portable Fans: Position fans to draw cool night air in or hot air out, depending on the time of day.

Exhaust Fans: If you’ve got a kitchen or bathroom fan, use it to pull hot air out of the home when the outdoor temperatures cool down outside.

4. Cook Outdoors/Enjoy some takeout

Adding extra heat load inside the home during heatwaves can cause your AC to struggle. Ovens and stovetops can make your home feel like a sauna during summer.

Grill It Up: Fire up the barbecue for dinners al fresco while keeping your kitchen cool.

No-Cook Alternatives: Opt for refreshing, no-heat meals like salads, wraps, takeout and chilled desserts (hello watermelon season) to cut down on indoor heat load.

5. Optimize Your Home’s Insulation

While insulation is better known for keeping homes warm in winter, it’s equally effective at locking cool air in during the summer.

Seal Up Gaps: Check windows, doors, and older vent systems for air leaks and seal them with weather stripping or caulk.

Add Insulation: For long-term energy savings, consider adding insulation to your attic or walls. Many older homes, are under-insulated, making this a worthwhile upgrade.

6. Add Shade to Your Home

Direct sunlight can turn your home into an oven, especially if you have large windows or south-facing rooms. Here are a few ways to stay shade-savvy:

Outdoor Awnings: Install awnings or canopies over windows and patios to block out direct sunlight.

Plant Trees: Long-term, greenery like maple or birch trees can add shade around your home. Okanagan-friendly options like drought-tolerant shrubs are also great for this. Both Kelowna and West Kelowna have annual tree purchase programs to reduce the cost of planting a tree.

Temporary Materials: Use umbrellas or outdoor shades over key windows or even balconies for instant coverage.

Environment Canada is warning people to stay cool during the heatwave this year. Tugboat Beach is a popular spot in Kelowna to cool down.

7. Take Advantage of Community Spaces

If the heat becomes unbearable and at-home solutions aren’t sufficient, turn to shared community resources.

Cooling Centers: Utilize local shopping centers like Orchard Park during heat waves. Visit your local community center or library, which often double as air-conditioned respites.

Lakes and Parks: We are lucky to have many beach options in the valley, take a dip at Gyro Beach or City Park. Cool down at the Spray park at Ben Lee Park. Just remember to bring the sunscreen and an umbrella for some shade!

8. Be Mindful of Pets and Family Members

Heat waves can be tough on pets, seniors, and small kids. Here’s how to keep your loved ones cool:

For Pets: Provide shaded spaces, plenty of water, and a cooling mat or fan if possible. Watch for signs like excessive panting.

For Family: Encourage breaks in cool areas and keep everyone hydrated. Older homes with no A/C may call for extra precautions, like creating dedicated cool zones with fans or portable chillers.

Final Thoughts

Heat waves in the Okanagan Valley happen every year, but with a few smart adjustments, you can turn your home into a much-needed refuge from the sweltering heat. Whether you're whipping up a no-cook dinner, sealing gaps around your windows, or relaxing in the breeze of a fan, these tips will help you stay cool and comfortable all summer long.