Calgarians find ways to stay cool inside their homes without AC units
As the heat wave continues to grip much of Alberta, including Calgary, it’s been a challenge for many people to not only stay cool outdoors but inside as well, especially for those without an air conditioner.
Tom Zarokostas doesn’t have an AC unit and must find ways to manage the temperature inside his home as best as possible.
"Opening up the windows at night and making sure we’re getting a cross breeze. I have a fan and I get that going full blast right next to the bed side," he said.
Zarokostas also avoids cooking indoors altogether on scorching days and utilizes his grill outside.
He says he’s not in the market for an air conditioner yet.
"For the amount of time that we need to use it I don’t think it’s worth it to me. The very least I’d probably invest in a portable air conditioner for the house and that’s probably it."
During the heat wave, air conditioning companies like W & J Heating, are seeing a spike in demand.
"Right now we’re experiencing a high volume of calls from air conditioners breaking down to people wanting to install air conditioners," said W & J Heating owner, Jordan Derdall.
The units cost anywhere between $4000 - $6500 depending on size and efficiency and the wait list to get one installed is about three weeks.
"I always tell people the best time to get them is usually March, April or May before that hot weather hits. Those people who pre-plan can kind of enjoy the AC for the entire season rather than trying to rush out and getting it at the tail end there," said Derdall.
Derdall said the increase in sales started during last year’s heat wave in June and the momentum has kept going into this season.
For families who haven’t invested in an air conditioner unit yet, there are other ways to stay cool, include booking into a hotel.
In a statement, Sol Zia, with the Calgary Hotel Association, says,
"With the return of hot weather, above seasonal averages, we have seen weekend hotel bookings increase from local area residents. Hotels with swimming pools have observed the bulk of last minute weekend bookings," Zia said.
For Zarokostas, he’s not checking into a hotel. Instead, if he needs a break from the heat in the house, he has his convertible Mustang.
"Drop the top and go for a cruise and enjoy the sun and the breeze. Frankly I actually love the hot weather because we don’t get too much of it like this in Calgary so it’s kind of like being on vacation at home."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
'Of course, yes': Poland latest European country with interest in Canadian LNG
The President of Poland says his country would 'of course' be interested in purchasing Canadian liquefied natural gas if it were available, while the Canadian federal government has said it is 'not interested' in subsidizing future projects.
Passage of harsh anti-2SLGBTQ+ law in Iraq draws diplomatic backlash
Human rights groups and diplomats criticized a law that was quietly passed by the Iraqi parliament over the weekend that would impose heavy prison sentences on gay and transgender people.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
A munitions explosion at a Cambodian army base kills 20 soldiers, but its cause is unclear
Security was tight around a military base in southwestern Cambodia on Sunday, a day after a huge explosion there killed 20 soldiers, wounded others and damaged nearby houses.
What Trudeau's podcast appearances say about the Liberals' next ballot box question
Trudeau recently appeared on four podcasts as he travels the country talking up the Liberals' latest budget, which he's pitching as a plan to inject more economic fairness into society for those under 40 — a cohort that has kept Trudeau in power since 2015 but is increasingly turning to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.