Summer in LaGrange brings beautiful sunny days, but it also brings the kind of heat that makes your air conditioner feel like your best friend. Staying cool is a priority, but running your AC nonstop can lead to energy bills that take the fun right out of the season. At The Remy Apartments, we want our residents to feel at home and at ease all summer long. Here are some straightforward, effective tips to help you stay comfortable while keeping your energy costs in check.<\/p>\n
1. Be Thoughtful About Your Thermostat<\/h2>\n
Small changes to your thermostat settings can add up to real savings over the course of the summer. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests keeping your thermostat at 78°F while you are home and raising it a few degrees when you are out or sleeping. Each degree you increase the setting can save you up to 3% on your cooling bill.<\/p>\n
If your apartment is equipped with a programmable or smart thermostat, take full advantage of it by setting a schedule that matches your lifestyle. There is no need for your AC to run at peak power when the apartment is empty.<\/p>\n
2. Put Your Ceiling Fans to Work<\/h2>\n
Ceiling fans are one of the most underrated tools for staying cool in the summer. They do not actually change the air temperature, but the breeze they create makes a room feel several degrees cooler than it actually is. That means you can raise your thermostat by about 4°F and still feel just as comfortable.<\/p>\n
Check that your fan is set to spin counterclockwise during the warmer months so the airflow pushes downward where you can feel it. Turn fans off whenever you leave the room since they are only effective when someone is there to feel the breeze.<\/p>\n
3. Use Window Coverings to Your Advantage<\/h2>\n
Sunlight streaming through your windows can raise the temperature inside your apartment significantly, especially during peak afternoon hours. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., keep your blinds, curtains, or shades closed on south and west facing windows to reduce how much heat enters your space.<\/p>\n
Thermal drapes or blackout curtains are worth the investment. They do an excellent job of blocking heat during the day and can make a noticeable difference in how cool your apartment stays without extra effort from your AC.<\/p>\n
4. Think About When and How You Use Appliances<\/h2>\n
Everyday appliances like ovens, dryers, and dishwashers generate heat as they run, which can make your apartment warmer and your AC work harder. A few small habit changes can go a long way.<\/p>\n
On hot days, try cooking with a microwave, air fryer, or slow cooker rather than heating up the oven. Save laundry and dishwasher cycles for the evening or early morning when outdoor temperatures are naturally lower. Switching to LED bulbs is another easy win since they produce significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs. Get in the habit of unplugging chargers and small devices when they are not actively being used because even in standby mode they draw power and add heat to your space.<\/p>\n
5. Look for and Address Air Leaks<\/h2>\n
When cool air escapes through gaps around windows and doors, your AC has to run longer to compensate. Take a few minutes to walk around your apartment and check for drafts near window frames and at the base of exterior doors.<\/p>\n
If you find something that should be addressed, our maintenance team is here to help. Submit a request and we will take care of it right away. In the meantime, a simple draft stopper at the base of a door is an easy and inexpensive way to reduce air loss.<\/p>\n
6. Bring in Fresh Air During Cooler Parts of the Day<\/h2>\n
Your AC does not have to run constantly to keep your apartment comfortable. On cooler mornings and evenings, typically before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m., open your windows to let fresh air in and give your system a rest. If you can open windows on opposite ends of your apartment, you will create a natural cross breeze that helps cool the space without using any electricity at all.<\/p>\n
Once the outdoor temperature climbs above the temperature inside your apartment, close the windows and let your AC take it from there.<\/p>\n
7. Stay on Top of Your AC Filter<\/h2>\n
A clogged air filter is one of the most common reasons AC units run inefficiently. When airflow is restricted, your system uses more energy to push cool air through your apartment and the air quality in your home can suffer as well. During the summer, check your filter monthly and plan to replace it every one to three months.<\/p>\n
If you have questions about your filter or anything related to your HVAC system, the maintenance team at The Remy is glad to help. Just reach out and we will get it sorted.<\/p>\n
8. Gravitate Toward the Cooler Areas of Your Home<\/h2>\n
Not every corner of your apartment heats up equally. Heat rises and rooms with direct sun exposure warm up faster, so lower floors and interior spaces tend to stay cooler throughout the day. During the hottest afternoon hours, spend time in those naturally cooler areas and leave interior doors open so that cool air from your AC can flow freely and evenly throughout your home.<\/p>\n
Make the Most of Summer at The Remy<\/h2>\n
Staying cool and comfortable this summer is absolutely within reach. With a few intentional changes to your daily routine, you can enjoy a refreshing apartment all season long without stressing over your energy bill. And when you are ready to step outside and soak up everything LaGrange has to offer, our community amenities are right here to help you recharge and relax.<\/p>\n
As always, if you have a maintenance concern or a question about your home, the team at The Remy Apartments is here for you every step of the way.<\/p>\n
Wishing you a cool, comfortable, and wonderful summer from all of us at The Remy Apartments!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summer in LaGrange brings beautiful sunny days, but it also brings the kind of heat that makes your air conditioner feel like your best friend. Staying cool is a priority, but running your AC nonstop can lead to energy bills that take the fun right out of the season. At The Remy Apartments, we want… <\/p>\n