Windsor-Essex, and much of southern Ontario, is currently under what meteorologists refer to as a heat dome. What exactly is a heat dome? A heat dome is a weather phenomenon where a high-pressure system traps a mass of hot air over a region for an extended period. Imagine putting a lid over a pot on the stove. The heat gets trapped inside and keeps getting hotter. Similarly, with a heat dome, the hot air is trapped under the high-pressure system, leading to extremely high temperatures that can last for days or even weeks. With the heat index, it can feel like temperatures are in the high 30's and even into the 40's Celsius. For the Fahrenheit people, that is high 90's and into the 100's.
When a heat dome, or any extended warm weather occurs, it can be challenging to keep your home cool. It can put stress on your HVAC equipment and stress on your wallet when the bills arrive. We have some tips here keep your home cool and comfortable.
Close Curtains and Blinds: Keep your curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun’s heat. This is is especially important for windows that face extended, direct sun exposure.
Use Fans: Ceiling fans and floor fans can help circulate the cool air your AC is producing in the house and create a cooling breeze. Place your fans strategically to enhance airflow through the home. Make sure your ceiling fans are spinning in the right direction as well to properly circulate air in those rooms.
Optimize Air Conditioning: Set your air conditioner to a comfortable temperature and ensure it's running efficiently by making sure your filters are clean to ensure good air flow and cooling. Avoid setting the thermostat too low, as it can overwork the system and increase energy consumption. Plus, it won't cool your home any faster by dropping the temperature a lot.
Cook Wisely: Don't add any unnecessary heat to your home. Avoid using the oven or stove during the hottest parts of the day, as they can significantly increase indoor temperatures. Consider grilling outside or preparing meals that don’t require heat.
Seal Gaps and Insulate: If you haven't recently, check for gaps around windows and doors where hot air can enter. You can use weather stripping or caulk to seal these gaps. Proper insulation in your home can also help keep the heat out and maintain cooler indoor temperatures.
Use Natural Ventilation: If the temperature drops enough and humidity is low enough, you may be able to open windows to let some fresh air in briefly and cylce some air through the home. If the temperature remains too high or humidity too high, do not introduce any additional warm air into the house.
Stay Low: Remember, heat rises, so the lower levels of your home will typically be coolest during hot weather. Use this area to stay cool and if you have fans, ensure the cool air in these areas is being circulated through the home.
By understanding what a heat dome is and taking these steps, you can keep your home more comfortable during extreme heat waves. Stay cool and safe!
Source: By U. S. National Weather Service/National Ocean Service - https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/hi and https://aambpublicoceanservice.blob.core.windows.net/oceanserviceprod/facts/heatdome.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18826480
Here at Jump Realty our agents will give you honest advice on what course of action is best for you in their professional opinion and will always put taking care of your best interests first! With offices in Windsor, Tecumseh, Kingsville, LaSalle, Harrow, Chatham, and Leamington, no matter where you are, a Jump agent is ready to help. Please contact us for any housing needs and let us give you a better real estate experience!
