August 20, 2026: 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.
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.
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. For more information, please contact:
Margaret Chapman, COO & Partner, Narrative Research – 902.493.3834, mchapman@narrativeresearch.ca
OR
Sam Pisani, Managing Partner, Logit Group – 416.629.4116, sam.pisani@logitgroup.com
Narrative Research (www.narrativeresearch.ca), is a non-partisan, 100% Canadian-owned, research company, certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE). Narrative Research provides clients with state-of-the-art research and strategic consulting services.
The Logit Group (https://logitgroup.com/) is a leading North American data collection and market research execution company headquartered in Toronto, conducting large-scale projects for a variety of well-known research agencies and brands. Logit employs industry-best technologies across an array of methodologies, and is independent, experienced and quality-oriented.
The questions asked were:
During the summer, what indoor temperature do you generally prefer to maintain at home?
- Lower than 20°C
- Between 20°C and 22°C
- Between 23°C and 25°C
- 26°C or higher
- I do not try to maintain a specific indoor temperature at home
Which of the following do you have available at home to help keep your home cool during the summer?
- Central air conditioning
- A window air conditioner or portable air conditioner
- Ductless mini-split system
- Ceiling fans
- Electric fans
- Blackout curtains / blinds
- Neither air conditioning nor fans
- Other, please specify
