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Be cool and safe during the summer heat

Be cool and safe during the summer heat

A graphic showing a glass of water icon, a fan icon, and a window with blinds icon/​​​
We want you to beat the heat this summer, but there are a few things to remember to stay cool and stay safe.

Window ​air conditioners

TCHC changed its policy for window air conditioners 

On December 2, 2019, Toronto Community Housing announced it will no longer permit tenants to have a window air conditioner unless it is contained within a balcony and has launched a program to remove all such air conditioners from its multi-storey buildings. 

TCHC will replace each air conditioner it removes with a new floor-model air conditioner, at no cost to the tenant, before the start of the 2020 cooling season. 

Tenants who currently have a window air conditioner within a balcony may continue to use them until further notice.  

Read our news release to learn more about our air conditioner exchange program. 

Read our tenant FAQ (PDF) to learn more about policy changes for window air conditioners. 

Read our news release about phase two of the air conditioner exchange program.

Read a notice regarding phase two of the air conditioner exchange program.

Read translated notice (PDF):

View a poster (PDF) regarding an update on the air conditioner exchange program.

Read translated poster (PDF):

Extension cords and fire safety

Fires can start from using the wrong extension cord or by overloading the plugs with an air conditioner or fan.

Always:

  • Use a Canadian Standards Associations (CSA) or Underwriters Label (UA) cord that can carry the power load of your air conditioner or fan.
  • Use a CSA-approved power bar with a built-in circuit breaker.
  • Keep cords away from any heat source.
  • Always plug your air conditioner or fan into a three-prong outlet, cord or power bar.

Never:

  • Use a damaged or two-prong extension cord.
  • Keep appliances or home electronics running when not in use.


Stay cool

Fan and air conditioner tips

  • Be aware that fans do not cool the air; they just move air around. Don't use a fan to blow hot or warm air on yourself (this can cause heat illness to happen faster.)
  • If you have air conditioning, at night, when the air is cooler, turn off your AC unit and open your windows. This will let the hot air escape and move cooler air in.
  • Please use your air conditioner considerately. Overuse can cause a power outage in your building.

More tips

  • Take cool showers or baths, or mist yourself with cool water.
  • Drink lots of cold fluids, especially water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
  • Close your blinds and curtains to block out the sun during the day.
  • Avoid using your oven to cook meals, as this can make your home hotter.
  • If possible, do most of your cooking at night when the air is cooler. 


Learn more

Go to the City of Toronto's Health site for more information on keeping cool and staying safe while beating the summer heat. Visit the City of Toronto's website for a list of cooling stations to find the nearest one to you.