Even though we’ve just passed the Labour Day weekend, there are still a couple of weeks of summer left. September can have some of the hottest days of the year; stay cool with our top tips for your home:

Create a stir. Circulating air keeps you cooler, and fans use 90% less energy than air conditioners. If you can, set up a cross-current with window fans.

Invest in low-E. Windows with low-E films keep out the summer heat. As a bonus, they’ll also keep heat inside during the winter. Make sure all windows are properly sealed to avoid drafts.

Go green – from the top down. Consider a green roof that will not only cool your home, but can provide habitat for wildlife if you plant native, drought-tolerant species. Environment Canada research shows that a typical one-storey building with about 10 cm of grass and growth medium on its roof cuts its cooling needs by 25%.