Real Estate Blog

As temperatures rise, it’s tempting to rely solely on air conditioning to stay comfortable — but it’s not your only option. Whether you’re trying to cut back on energy costs, reduce your environmental impact, or simply get more out of your cooling system, there are plenty of smart, AC-free ways to keep your home feeling comfortable.

In fact, some of the most effective cooling methods don’t involve air conditioning at all — and even if you do have AC, these tips can help it work more efficiently and keep your home comfortable throughout the season.

Optimize Your Ceiling Fan Direction

One of the most overlooked ways to cool your home is using your ceiling fan correctly. Many people don’t realize that fans have a switch to change their rotation direction.
In the summer, set the fan to spin counterclockwise — this pushes the air downward and creates a cooling wind-chill effect.

When colder weather returns, switch the direction clockwise and run it on low to gently circulate warm air trapped near the ceiling.

Keep Hot Air Out

When outdoor temperatures are higher than inside your home, keep windows and doors closed to prevent heat from seeping in. Open them only when the outside air is cooler, typically early in the morning or later at night.

To block out sunlight, close curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day. Blackout blinds are especially effective at reducing heat gain. Choose lighter colours like white or beige, which reflect rather than absorb sunlight.

Keep Interior Doors Open

Good airflow is key to keeping your home cool. Leave interior doors open, especially if you’re using fans or relying on natural air circulation to move cooler air through your space.

Stay Cool While You Sleep

Getting a restful night’s sleep during a heatwave can be a challenge.
Here are a few tips to keep you comfortable:

• Choose breathable bedding such as cotton sheets, which help wick moisture and promote airflow.

• Open windows at night if the temperature outside is lower than indoors.

• Chill a hot water bottle with cold water and place it at your feet for relief.

• Sleep on the lowest level of your home, since heat rises. A basement couch might be cooler than your upstairs bedroom during peak heat.

Ditch the rugs — heavy rugs can trap heat. Roll them up and store them during the summer to help floors stay cooler, especially if you have hardwood, tile, or concrete surfaces.

If you’ve owned your home for a few years, there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a valuable financial resource — and you might not even realize it.

Home prices in Ottawa have remained strong, and now that interest rates are starting to drop, many homeowners are asking:

“How can I tap into my home equity — and what can I use it for?”

Whether you’re looking to consolidate debt, invest, renovate, or improve your cash flow, here’s what you need to know about unlocking your home’s value in 2025.

What Is Home Equity, Really?

Home equity is the difference between:

• What your home is worth

• What you still owe on your mortgage

For example:
If your home is worth $650,000 and your remaining mortgage is $350,000 — you have $300,000 in equity.

Many homeowners don’t realize how much equity they’ve gained — especially if they bought before prices rose in the early 2020s.

How Can You Access That Equity?

There are two main ways to access your home equity:

1. Refinance Your Mortgage
This involves replacing your existing mortgage with a new one for a higher amount — giving you a lump sum of cash from your equity.

Best for:

• Debt consolidation

• Large expenses like home renovations or education

• Investing in property or other opportunities

2. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
This gives you flexible, ongoing access to a portion of your home equity — similar to a credit card, but with a much lower interest rate.

Best for:

• Emergency funds

• Staged renovations

• Borrowing only what you need, when you need it

Popular (and Smart) Ways to Use Your Equity in 2025

With interest rates starting to trend downward and home values holding steady, now is a strategic time to put your equity to work.

Here are some of the most popular, and financially smart, ways to use it:

1. Consolidate High-Interest Debt
Paying off credit cards or personal loans with 20%+ interest using your mortgage (at a much lower rate) can save thousands in interest and improve monthly cash flow.

2. Fund Renovations
Improve your home’s comfort and value with upgrades — especially energy-efficient improvements that may qualify for rebates.

3. Support a Down Payment for a Family Member
Many homeowners are helping adult children buy their first home by using a portion of their equity as a gifted or co-signed down payment.

4. Invest in Real Estate or Other Ventures
Turn idle equity into an income-generating opportunity by purchasing a rental property or other long-term investment.

5. Cover Life Transitions
Whether you’re going through a separation, starting a business, or retiring soon, your equity can help bridge major life changes.

What Do Lenders Look For in 2025?

The rules around equity lending are always evolving, but here’s what most lenders are looking for this year:

• A strong credit profile

• Stable income or employment history

• Sufficient equity (typically 20% or more required for a HELOC)

• A reasonable debt-to-income ratio

Even if you’ve had a credit hiccup, there may still be options through alternative lenders — especially if you have strong equity. A broker can help you navigate these choices without judgment.