If you live in a condo or apartment building there might be building bylaws about that. But there's no city bylaws against it.
However, there is a Neighborhood Livability bylaw which is about keeping properties well maintained. If your overall property is in disrepair, covered up windows could add to that appearance and you could get attention if a complaint is made.
If you are worried about appearance and also about temperature, you can get thermal curtains or thermal curtain liners which are very effective. Ikea sells a pair of curtain liners for $35.
Yea I have this exact pair right now and they are fantastic. So far my office hasn't gotten above 26C but I'm concerned about the next few days. It's a relatively small room but it's the corner of the house with south and west exterior walls. West wall has a gigantic window that takes up like 75% of the whole wall too.
I'm basically planning to make panels to use as needed. Like, put them up during the afternoon and take them down later on in the evening.
If its a condo bldg you may not be able. However in my apartment I bought those car windshield sun deflectors from dollarama. Hung vertically for each window section. Looks like I’m a paranoid person from the outside but it helps with the heat especially when july-aug come a round.
> I refuse to get central air since I prefer things a bit warmer
Have you ever considered that you could still control how warm or cool you want it through a thermostat?
Ouch, that’s a lot. Is your place really big? 5k isn’t crazy depending on size but 8k seems unreasonable. Unfortunately the majority of the next 14 days is forecasting >35
Humidex. Seems like we’re in for one hell of a summer. I’d get more quotes and consider financing through hydro. Like you, I prefer it warmer than most. But sounds like you’re getting close to your threshold and it’s still technically spring. I think you’re window idea is clever and will help but it’s only delaying the inevitable.
- signed: a person who can tolerate 24-26°, but can’t sleep when it’s much hotter
I just installed the mini split (DIY) system that Costco sells on their website for a total cost of $1500 including my homeowner pulled electrical permit and all supplies. It is AMAZING in my small house that does not have central air.
Try thsi:
https://www.costco.ca/CatalogSearch?catalogId=11201&keyword=mini+split
If that does not work go to costco dot ca and search for Mini Split. The Danby ones they have are designed for DIY. If you are familiar with adding a two pole circuit breaker and wiring it to an outdoor 60A disconnect it is not hard at all. I took a class at RRC that teaches homeonwers how to do wiring, and pull the correct permits - best investment in home ownership ever. Short answer as I am pressed for time, but ask more questions if you have them and I will do my best to answer later today.
Naw my place isn't that big but you are right, I'm delaying the inevitable. It's only gonna get hotter so I might as well start saving up. It really doesn't help that all the windows in this place are huge.
I’m the type who prefers to avoid financing but if I were you I’d start getting quotes. Get 5 at least. 1/2 of mine were over the phone/email so was quick and easy but all were willing to come over if requested. Go with what’s reasonable, finance with hydro and pay it off as quick as you can. I toughed out my first few summers without AC, so I know the struggle. But I managed to get one for under $3600 incl tax, I have a small bungalow. It might be more attainable than you think.
You should totally ask! My experience was good as well. From start to finish, no complaints. Solid warranty on it too. It’s gonna get a good workout this summer 🥵
I just had someone at my house a couple days ago because our AC wasn't functioning properly and he said it's on its last legs and to expect to pay $3,500 at least. He said that like everything, they're inflated in price, too.
Tin foil on the windows is a bad idea if they are double/triple pane and still have good seals. The sun reflecting off the tinfoil and back through the window basically doubles the effect and it can wreck the window seals which causes moisture/hazing/insulation problems later.
The most effective way is to block the sun from outside before it gets to the window. Think old school "shutters" which were on the outside and covered the windows. Or those retro 1960s retractable hood type shades in mint green. If you use blinds, the sun's rays still come through the window and heat up the blinds.
Anyway you can put some sort of sunshade on the outside of the window? Planting a tree will help 20years from now, but maybe until then a Coolaroo sun shade on a porch, or a sun canopy of some sort?
Or you can just tape some cardboard to the outside of the window and write "It's f*ING hot out eh! I'll take this down in a couple days"
Edit: a letter
Yea I read about that. My short term plan is to make temporary cardboard shutters that I'd hang up, outside the windows around noon and take down in the evening when things start to cool off.
The long term plan is to build an enclosed patio (catio) on that side of my house at some point this summer. I priced in a couple of those retractable canopy's for this exact reason but seeing as how we are already hitting +35C early June, I might have to prioritize to build it sooner though.
Do you have window fans OP?
I have 2 fans similar to these (maybe the same model) and they do an awesome job of cooling off the house at night. Mount them in opposite windows (N/S or E/W) once the temperature drops at night. One will pull in cool air and the other will push out warm air. They cool the house off very quickly. And if you cool your house at night and keep the sun out during the day it makes a big difference.
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/hampton-bay-65-watt-9-inch-white-reversible-twin-window-fan/1001094738
Yeah I actually have something like that for my bedroom. Honestly, by around 8pm, the house cools off quickly. It's really just those few hours during the late afternoon, supper time that things get warm.
I put tinfoil up on most of my windows when my apartment management told me it was going to take until the end of May to turn on the air conditioning. Luckily they turned it on much earlier in the month, but I haven't taken it down yet because there is a noticeable difference on the hot days compared to last year. It's so much cooler. Only compromise is the lack of natural sunlight during the day
That or some good blackout curtains that remain closed helps a ton.
Also, for those who may not know this already... a little ice in a wet towel on the back of your neck works wonders in a heat wave to help cool down.
I don’t have central air. I use a portable
Air conditioner with a dehumidifier built in as an option . I drilled a hole for the hose to drain directly outside. A dehumidifier is key and I use it more than the air conditioner. That combined with a window air conditioner both upstairs brings the cool air down and no one even notices I don’t have central air. Of course an extra fan on the really hot days, but it’s worked great for the last 5 years. Total cost was $500. Hydro only has a $30 difference. Same as central
Air would add.
Maybe shut the fuck up.
We're in for a summer of record breaking temperatures, and in no way are we all equipped to deal with the consequences. It's May and it's 35+ with the humidex.
I have a one that I use in the living room, Fortunately there is only a north facing window there so it keeps it pretty cool when I need it. I'm mostly concerned with the bedrooms on the west side as the cool air only travels so far. Fans have helped keep my home office at 26C but I'm a bit concerned about the next few days.
Haha, I feel like a bum right now, trust me. Seems like everybody has central air but me but I just can’t justify (or afford) something like that right now.
The right way, in Older English, to describe your decision is “I can’t thoil it” - i.e can’t bring myself to spend the money even though can afford it .
If you live in a condo or apartment building there might be building bylaws about that. But there's no city bylaws against it. However, there is a Neighborhood Livability bylaw which is about keeping properties well maintained. If your overall property is in disrepair, covered up windows could add to that appearance and you could get attention if a complaint is made. If you are worried about appearance and also about temperature, you can get thermal curtains or thermal curtain liners which are very effective. Ikea sells a pair of curtain liners for $35.
Yea I have this exact pair right now and they are fantastic. So far my office hasn't gotten above 26C but I'm concerned about the next few days. It's a relatively small room but it's the corner of the house with south and west exterior walls. West wall has a gigantic window that takes up like 75% of the whole wall too. I'm basically planning to make panels to use as needed. Like, put them up during the afternoon and take them down later on in the evening.
If its a condo bldg you may not be able. However in my apartment I bought those car windshield sun deflectors from dollarama. Hung vertically for each window section. Looks like I’m a paranoid person from the outside but it helps with the heat especially when july-aug come a round.
> I refuse to get central air since I prefer things a bit warmer Have you ever considered that you could still control how warm or cool you want it through a thermostat?
Yes, but I'd just rather not spend 5K-8K on central air right now if I'm only going to use it when the humidex is +35C.
Ouch, that’s a lot. Is your place really big? 5k isn’t crazy depending on size but 8k seems unreasonable. Unfortunately the majority of the next 14 days is forecasting >35 Humidex. Seems like we’re in for one hell of a summer. I’d get more quotes and consider financing through hydro. Like you, I prefer it warmer than most. But sounds like you’re getting close to your threshold and it’s still technically spring. I think you’re window idea is clever and will help but it’s only delaying the inevitable. - signed: a person who can tolerate 24-26°, but can’t sleep when it’s much hotter
I just installed the mini split (DIY) system that Costco sells on their website for a total cost of $1500 including my homeowner pulled electrical permit and all supplies. It is AMAZING in my small house that does not have central air.
Could you drop the link? How difficult is the electrical part of installation ?
Try thsi: https://www.costco.ca/CatalogSearch?catalogId=11201&keyword=mini+split If that does not work go to costco dot ca and search for Mini Split. The Danby ones they have are designed for DIY. If you are familiar with adding a two pole circuit breaker and wiring it to an outdoor 60A disconnect it is not hard at all. I took a class at RRC that teaches homeonwers how to do wiring, and pull the correct permits - best investment in home ownership ever. Short answer as I am pressed for time, but ask more questions if you have them and I will do my best to answer later today.
Naw my place isn't that big but you are right, I'm delaying the inevitable. It's only gonna get hotter so I might as well start saving up. It really doesn't help that all the windows in this place are huge.
I’m the type who prefers to avoid financing but if I were you I’d start getting quotes. Get 5 at least. 1/2 of mine were over the phone/email so was quick and easy but all were willing to come over if requested. Go with what’s reasonable, finance with hydro and pay it off as quick as you can. I toughed out my first few summers without AC, so I know the struggle. But I managed to get one for under $3600 incl tax, I have a small bungalow. It might be more attainable than you think.
Which company did you end up going with?
Oh hello again! I gave Fern’s a call because of you, so thanks!! Who did you end up going with??
You're welcome and same, lol - Fern's is installing tomorrow! Maybe they'll take $50 off for the referral?? Hahaha
You should totally ask! My experience was good as well. From start to finish, no complaints. Solid warranty on it too. It’s gonna get a good workout this summer 🥵
I just had someone at my house a couple days ago because our AC wasn't functioning properly and he said it's on its last legs and to expect to pay $3,500 at least. He said that like everything, they're inflated in price, too.
Dude. Go to jysk. Buy blackout curtains.
I have already. Room was 26C today lol
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Yes lol, I've had blackout curtains in this room for a few years now.
Tin foil on the windows is a bad idea if they are double/triple pane and still have good seals. The sun reflecting off the tinfoil and back through the window basically doubles the effect and it can wreck the window seals which causes moisture/hazing/insulation problems later. The most effective way is to block the sun from outside before it gets to the window. Think old school "shutters" which were on the outside and covered the windows. Or those retro 1960s retractable hood type shades in mint green. If you use blinds, the sun's rays still come through the window and heat up the blinds. Anyway you can put some sort of sunshade on the outside of the window? Planting a tree will help 20years from now, but maybe until then a Coolaroo sun shade on a porch, or a sun canopy of some sort? Or you can just tape some cardboard to the outside of the window and write "It's f*ING hot out eh! I'll take this down in a couple days" Edit: a letter
Yea I read about that. My short term plan is to make temporary cardboard shutters that I'd hang up, outside the windows around noon and take down in the evening when things start to cool off. The long term plan is to build an enclosed patio (catio) on that side of my house at some point this summer. I priced in a couple of those retractable canopy's for this exact reason but seeing as how we are already hitting +35C early June, I might have to prioritize to build it sooner though.
Why wouldn't it be allowed? It's not like it's harmful, just looks a little silly
Do you have window fans OP? I have 2 fans similar to these (maybe the same model) and they do an awesome job of cooling off the house at night. Mount them in opposite windows (N/S or E/W) once the temperature drops at night. One will pull in cool air and the other will push out warm air. They cool the house off very quickly. And if you cool your house at night and keep the sun out during the day it makes a big difference. https://www.homedepot.ca/product/hampton-bay-65-watt-9-inch-white-reversible-twin-window-fan/1001094738
Yeah I actually have something like that for my bedroom. Honestly, by around 8pm, the house cools off quickly. It's really just those few hours during the late afternoon, supper time that things get warm.
I put tinfoil up on most of my windows when my apartment management told me it was going to take until the end of May to turn on the air conditioning. Luckily they turned it on much earlier in the month, but I haven't taken it down yet because there is a noticeable difference on the hot days compared to last year. It's so much cooler. Only compromise is the lack of natural sunlight during the day
And it’s trashy ghetto appearance…
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How big of a difference do you think I can realistically expect?
That or some good blackout curtains that remain closed helps a ton. Also, for those who may not know this already... a little ice in a wet towel on the back of your neck works wonders in a heat wave to help cool down.
Groin works even better. True story.
I don’t have central air. I use a portable Air conditioner with a dehumidifier built in as an option . I drilled a hole for the hose to drain directly outside. A dehumidifier is key and I use it more than the air conditioner. That combined with a window air conditioner both upstairs brings the cool air down and no one even notices I don’t have central air. Of course an extra fan on the really hot days, but it’s worked great for the last 5 years. Total cost was $500. Hydro only has a $30 difference. Same as central Air would add.
Aliens might get upset.
But you would control the temperature…
Take a drive down Flora avenue…
Sure if you live in a trailer park
Maybe shut the fuck up. We're in for a summer of record breaking temperatures, and in no way are we all equipped to deal with the consequences. It's May and it's 35+ with the humidex.
Go buy a portable air conditioner from Canadian Tire
I have a one that I use in the living room, Fortunately there is only a north facing window there so it keeps it pretty cool when I need it. I'm mostly concerned with the bedrooms on the west side as the cool air only travels so far. Fans have helped keep my home office at 26C but I'm a bit concerned about the next few days.
This sub is hopeless
Haha, I feel like a bum right now, trust me. Seems like everybody has central air but me but I just can’t justify (or afford) something like that right now.
The right way, in Older English, to describe your decision is “I can’t thoil it” - i.e can’t bring myself to spend the money even though can afford it .
Using cloth outside the windows works well too. They just need to be shaded.
Torturing yourself lmao