Recommended Room Temp：10 Tips to Prevent Heat Stroke
Summers across Canada are becoming noticeably hotter—and more hazardous to our health. Extreme heat can lead to serious symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and, in severe cases, heat stroke. Many people assume staying inside offers protection, but this isn’t always true. Without proper cooling, indoor spaces can heat up just as much as the outdoors, quietly increasing the risk.
Keeping your indoor space at a safe temperature and making a few small changes to your daily habits can go a long way in lowering your risk. In this guide, you’ll learn how heat stroke can come on suddenly, what the ideal room temperature is to stay protected, and discover 10 expert-recommended tips to help safeguard your health during the hottest days of summer.
Why Heat Stroke Is a Real Threat in Canada
In recent years, extreme heat has led to a rise in hospital visits and in some cases, tragic loss of life across Canada. The 2021 heat dome in British Columbia alone claimed the lives of more than 619 people in just a matter of days.
What makes the situation even more concerning is Canada’s unique vulnerability to climate change. Due to our country’s vast geography and northern latitude, temperatures here are rising at roughly twice the global average. In Arctic regions, that pace jumps to nearly three times faster.
This accelerated warming has tangible impacts. More frequent and intense heat waves are putting millions at risk. Seniors, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health issues are particularly vulnerable to these dangerous conditions.
Heat-related illnesses can sneak up faster than we think. Feeling tired, dizzy, dehydrated, or confused in the heat isn’t something to brush off—these symptoms can quickly lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition that happens when the body gets too hot and can’t cool itself down. If not treated right away, it can cause serious harm, including organ failure and even death.
What’s truly troubling is that many of these emergencies aren’t happening outside—they’re happening right inside people’s homes. Across Canada, especially in places without proper air conditioning, indoor temperatures can climb just as high as those outdoors. That’s why it’s so important for all of us to know how to keep our homes safe. One of the most effective ways to start is by knowing the recommended indoor temperature for Canadians during extreme heat. It might seem like a small step, but it can make a big difference.
As Canadians, we’re no strangers to preparing for extreme weather, from blizzards to ice storms. However, the rising frequency of heat waves means we need to adapt our approach to include summer safety. Just as we'd stock up on essentials for a winter power outage, having a plan to keep cool and maintain power for critical devices during a heat wave is becoming just as vital. It's also critical to recognize the warning signs early; knowing the difference between a serious condition and something less severe could save a life. For more on this, be sure to read our guide on Heat Stroke Vs Heat Exhaustion.
What’s the Recommended Indoor Room Temperature in Summer?
Health Canada recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 23°C and 26°C (73°F to 79°F) during heat waves to stay safe. This is especially important if you have older adults, young children, or pets at home, as they’re more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. When indoor temperatures climb above this range, your body’s core temperature can rise quickly, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and, in serious cases, heat stroke.
Reaching and maintaining this ideal temperature isn’t always possible without air conditioning—something not every Canadian household has. That’s why it’s important to know a few practical, heat-smart strategies to help you and your loved ones stay cool and protected during extreme heat.
10 Tips to Prevent Heat Stroke at Home
Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency—and if left untreated, it can be life-threatening. The risk is real, especially during the intense heat we’re seeing more often across Canada. The good news? Heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, are largely preventable. By taking some simple, smart precautions, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some important tips to stay safe when the temperature climbs:
Stay Hydrated at All Times
Your body loses fluids through sweat, even when you’re indoors. Make it a habit to drink water consistently—not just when you feel thirsty. Adding slices of lemon or cucumber can make it more enjoyable. Dehydration is one of the main triggers for heat-related illnesses, so staying hydrated is essential.
Block Out Sunlight
Natural light is lovely, but in the summer it can quickly raise the temperature indoors. To keep your space cooler, use blackout curtains or thermal blinds to block direct sunlight—especially between 12 and 4 PM, when the sun is strongest. This small change can lower indoor heat by several degrees.
Use a Reliable Portable Air Conditioner
A portable air conditioner is one of the most effective ways to stay cool during a heat wave. Unlike central AC systems, portable units can be moved from room to room—making them a great choice for apartments, older homes, or anywhere without built-in cooling.
A top pick for many Canadian households is the EcoFlow Wave 3 Portable Air Conditioner with Heater . It cools your space quietly and efficiently, and also provides heat during the winter months. It’s a practical way to maintain the recommended indoor temperature—without sending your hydro bill through the roof.
Avoid Using Heat-Generating Appliances
Try to avoid using heat-generating appliances like the oven, stove, or dishwasher during the day. Even everyday electronics like your TV, computer, and certain lightbulbs can give off more heat than you’d expect. To keep your home cooler, hold off on these until the evening if possible. Stick to no-cook meals like salads or use a microwave instead—it’s a simple way to cut down on indoor heat.
Create Cross Ventilation
Create cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of your home to let fresh air move through. Placing a box fan near a window can help push hot air out while drawing cooler air in.
Take Cold Showers or Use Cooling Towels
Cold water is another quick way to cool down your body. If a full shower isn’t practical, soak a towel in cold water and place it on your neck or wrists for relief.
Sleep in the Coolest Room
When the heat climbs, lower-level areas like basements or ground-floor rooms often stay cooler. If needed, consider moving your sleeping setup temporarily to one of these spaces. It’s important that the room you sleep in stays within the recommended temperature range.
Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing
Dress in breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials in light colours. Avoid dark shades and synthetic fabrics, which can trap heat and make you sweat more.
Monitor Indoor Temperatures with a Smart Thermometer
Keep a digital indoor thermometer on hand to monitor your room temperature throughout the day. It’s a simple tool that helps you stay on top of conditions and make timely adjustments to stay safe.
Insulate Walls and Roof to Keep Heat Out
Good insulation isn’t just for winter, it plays a key role in summer, too. Properly insulating your walls, attic, and roof helps block outdoor heat from entering your home. This keeps indoor temperatures more stable and comfortable for longer, while easing the strain on fans or air conditioners. It’s an effective way to maintain the recommended room temperature without overworking your cooling systems.
Along with taking preventive steps, it’s just as important to recognize the early warning signs of heat stroke. Symptoms like headache, nausea, a rapid heartbeat, flushed skin, or confusion should never be ignored. If any of these appear, act right away, move to a cooler space, drink water, and seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen. Quick action can save lives.
Still preparing for summer? A portable power station is a must-have. When a heatwave hits and the power goes out, it's your lifeline. It can keep your air conditioner running and prevent the food in your fridge from spoiling. Plus, it provides backup power for other essential appliances, ensuring you stay comfortable and safe until the lights come back on.
Best Home Cooling Devices for Canadian Summers
With Canada’s increasingly unpredictable summer weather, passive cooling methods alone often aren’t enough. To keep your indoor space within the recommended temperature range and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, it’s worth investing in reliable, energy-efficient cooling solutions. Taking this step helps protect your health while keeping your home comfortable through even the hottest days.
Invest in a Portable Air Conditioner
Buying a portable cooler is a practical choice for both homeowners and renters across Canada. They offer flexibility, energy efficiency, and year-round usability, making them a smart investment for changing seasons. One standout option is the EcoFlow Wave 3 Portable Air Conditioner with Heater, a versatile all-in-one climate control system.
Designed to cool rooms up to 15 square metres, it’s perfect for bedrooms, small apartments, or home offices without built-in AC. What sets the Wave 3 apart is its dual-mode functionality, it seamlessly switches between cooling and heating. Its high-efficiency inverter compressor cools a room in just 15 minutes while using up to 28% less energy than similar models.
With app connectivity, you can set schedules and control the temperature remotely. This makes it easier to maintain Health Canada’s recommended indoor temperature range and stay comfortable all day long.
Use a Dehumidifier in Humid Canadian Regions
In many parts of Canada, especially Ontario and coastal British Columbia—summer humidity can feel overwhelming. Excess moisture in the air makes the heat feel even more intense, leaving indoor spaces sticky and uncomfortable. A good dehumidifier can make a big difference by pulling that moisture out of the air, helping your body cool itself more efficiently through sweating.
It also takes pressure off your air conditioner, allowing it to work more effectively, and helps improve overall indoor air quality. For best results, choose a dehumidifier with a built-in hygrometer and an automatic drain function. These features ensure steady performance with minimal upkeep, keeping your home more comfortable through the thickest humidity.
Install HRVs and ERVs for Efficient Air Exchange
Modern homes are built to be energy-efficient, often sealed tightly to prevent heat loss. But during the summer, this can work against us, trapping heat and stale air inside. Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) offer a smart solution by bringing in fresh outdoor air while removing indoor air, all without wasting energy.
HRVs are especially effective in the summer, as they exhaust warm, humid air and draw in cooler air from outside. ERVs go a step further by managing both heat and humidity, making them well-suited for Canada’s more humid regions. Installing one of these systems not only improves ventilation and helps maintain stable indoor temperatures, but also supports respiratory health, especially important when windows need to stay closed during heat warnings.
Use Ventilating Fans and Range Hoods Strategically
Ventilation fans are often overlooked, but they can play a key role in managing indoor heat, especially during the summer months. Fans in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms help remove warm, moist air right at the source. Everyday activities such as cooking, showering, or running the dryer can quickly raise the temperature indoors if that heat isn’t vented out.
While these fans don’t cool the air directly, they contribute to a more balanced indoor environment. When paired with a dehumidifier or portable air conditioner, they boost the overall effectiveness of your cooling efforts, making it easier to maintain a comfortable and safe temperature inside your home.
Conclusion
Canadian summers are becoming increasingly unpredictable, and so are the temperatures inside our homes. Keeping your indoor space within the recommended range is no longer just about comfort; it’s vital for your health and well-being.
Simple steps like installing blackout curtains, improving airflow, and using reliable tools such as the EcoFlow Wave 3 Portable Air Conditioner with Heater can make a significant difference in reducing your risk of heat-related illness.
Don’t wait for the next extreme heat alert to act. Now’s the time to prepare. Stay informed, stay cool, and turn your home into a safe, climate-controlled space this summer.
Need a dependable solution to keep the heat at bay? The EcoFlow Wave 3 delivers fast, efficient cooling when you need it most, so you can stay safe, no matter how high the temperature climbs.