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What is the preferred indoor temperature in summer for Canadians? New survey findings show that most Canadians favor moderate indoor temperatures, with nearly half choosing to keep their homes between 20°C and 22°C, while households use a range of cooling methods to stay comfortable.
Key Takeaways
- 20°C to 22°C is the most popular summer indoor temperature, preferred by 46% of Canadians.
- Cooling preferences vary by region, with Ontarians more likely to prefer warmer homes and Atlantic Canadians more likely to favor temperatures below 20°C.
- Central air conditioning is the most common cooling method, used by 48% of Canadians, followed by a combination of air conditioning and fans.
In the heat of the summer, Canadians told us that they largely prefer moderate indoor temperatures and rely on a mix of cooling methods. When asked what indoor temperature they generally prefer at home, just under one half of Canadians (46%) choose to keep their home between 20°C and 22°C. Meanwhile, three in ten (28%) prefer a warmer indoor temperature of 23°C or higher. By contrast about two in ten (17%) aim for cooler temperatures below 20°C. One in ten Canadians (9%) do not try to maintain a specific indoor temperature at home.
Preferred Indoor Temperature in Summer
Looking at regional differences, residents in Atlantic Canada are more likely than those elsewhere to prefer temperatures below 20°C while Ontarians are more likely to keep their homes warmer, between 23°C and 25°C.
Canadians use a variety of methods to stay cool in the summer. One half (48%) rely on central air conditioning, making it the most common option. Usage of both air conditioning and fans ranks second, mentioned by over four in ten. Slightly fewer use electric fans (38%). A notable minority each say they have blackout curtains or blinds (31%), ceiling fans (26%), or a window or portable air conditioner (23%). Only 7% use a ductless mini-split system, and just 2% use neither air conditioning nor fans to keep cool.
How Homes Stay Cool in Summer
Cooling methods vary by region. Central air conditioning, as well as the combined use of air conditioning and fans, are most common in Ontario. Electric fans are more common in British Columbia and the territories, while Prairie residents are more likely to use blackout curtains. Atlantic Canadians are more likely to have a ductless mini-split system. Those with a household income of $100K or more are more likely than lower-income households to have central air conditioning, blackout curtains, and ceiling fans.
Results are from an online survey conducted in partnership between Narrative Research and the Logit Group. The survey was conducted between July 17-27, 2026 with 1,237 Canadians, 18 years of age or older from the Logit Group’s online Canadian Omnibus. Data were weighted based on the 2021 Census, by gender, age, and region to reflect actual population distribution.
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FAQs
The most popular indoor temperature range is 20°C to 22°C, preferred by 46% of Canadians.
Central air conditioning is the most common method, used by 48% of Canadians. Other popular options include using air conditioning and fans together, electric fans, blackout curtains or blinds, ceiling fans, and window or portable air conditioners.
Yes. Ontarians are more likely to prefer warmer indoor temperatures between 23°C and 25°C, while Atlantic Canadians are more likely to prefer temperatures below 20°C. Cooling methods also vary by region.
