Summer in Douglasville means long, sunny days and plenty of heat. While the warm weather is great for outdoor fun, it can also mean higher energy bills as your air conditioner works overtime. At Heron Mill Apartments, we want our residents to stay cool and comfortable all season long without overspending on energy costs. Here are some of our favorite tips to help you beat the heat this summer.
1. Be Smart with Your Thermostat
Being intentional about your thermostat settings is one of the simplest ways to cut down on energy use. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you are home and a bit higher when you are away or sleeping. For every degree you raise the thermostat, you can save up to 3% on your cooling costs.
If your apartment is equipped with a programmable or smart thermostat, make the most of it by setting a schedule that aligns with your daily routine. That way, your AC is not running at full power when no one is home.
2. Let Your Ceiling Fans Do More Work
Ceiling fans do not lower the actual temperature in a room, but they create a wind chill effect that makes you feel significantly cooler. Running a ceiling fan allows you to raise your thermostat by about 4°F without sacrificing comfort. Just be sure to turn fans off when you leave the room since they cool people, not empty spaces.
For maximum effectiveness in the summer, make sure your fan is spinning counterclockwise to push cool air downward where you need it most.
3. Keep the Sun Out During Peak Hours
A surprising amount of heat enters your apartment through the windows. During the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., keep your blinds, curtains, or shades closed on south and west facing windows to prevent heat from building up inside.
Blackout curtains or thermal drapes are an affordable upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in how cool your apartment feels throughout the day. They pay for themselves quickly in energy savings.
4. Rethink How You Use Everyday Appliances
Common household appliances generate more heat than most people realize. Making a few simple adjustments to when and how you use them can keep your apartment cooler and reduce the load on your AC unit.
Try cooking with a microwave, slow cooker, or air fryer instead of turning on the oven, which can dramatically raise the temperature in your kitchen. Run your dishwasher and washing machine in the evening or early morning when outdoor temperatures are lower. If you have not already switched to LED bulbs, now is a great time since they produce far less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs. Also consider unplugging chargers and small electronics when they are not in use, as they continue drawing power and generating heat even on standby.
5. Check for Air Leaks
Gaps around windows and doors allow cool air to escape and let hot air in, forcing your AC to work harder than it should. Take a few minutes to check the edges of your windows and the base of exterior doors for any noticeable drafts or gaps.
If you find something that needs attention, submit a maintenance request and our team will take care of it promptly. A simple draft stopper at the base of a door can also provide an easy, low cost fix in the meantime.
6. Open Up During Cooler Hours
Your AC does not have to run all day long. On cooler mornings and evenings, typically before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m., open your windows to bring in fresh outside air and give your system a well earned rest. Opening windows on opposite sides of your apartment encourages cross ventilation and creates a natural breeze throughout the space.
Once the outdoor temperature climbs above the temperature inside your apartment, close your windows back up and let the AC take over again.
7. Keep Your AC Filter Clean
A clogged or dirty air filter makes your AC unit work much harder, drives up energy usage, and reduces the air quality inside your home. Plan to check your filter every month during the summer and replace it as needed, usually every one to three months depending on your household.
If you have any questions about your filter or HVAC system, reach out to the Heron Mill maintenance team. We are always happy to help our residents get the most out of their home.
8. Use the Coolest Parts of Your Apartment
Heat naturally rises, which means lower floors and interior rooms tend to stay cooler than spaces with a lot of sun exposure. During the hottest parts of the day, spend time in the cooler areas of your apartment and keep interior doors open so that cool air can circulate freely throughout the space rather than getting trapped in one room.
Enjoy Summer at Heron Mill Apartments
Staying comfortable this summer does not have to come at a high cost. With a few small changes to your daily habits, you can keep your apartment cool, lower your energy bill, and still enjoy everything the season has to offer right here in Douglasville.
When you need a break from the heat, our community amenities are the perfect place to unwind and connect with your neighbors. And as always, if you have a maintenance concern or a question about your apartment, our leasing team is here and ready to help.
Here is to a cool, enjoyable, and energy smart summer from all of us at Heron Mill Apartments!