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Summer at Stonecrest brings long, sun filled days and the kind of Georgia warmth that makes you grateful for a cool place to come home to. But as temperatures rise, so can the cost of keeping your apartment comfortable. At Wesley Providence Apartments, we believe our residents deserve a home that feels like a true retreat, even in the middle of July. Here are some of our best tips for staying cool, comfortable, and energy smart all summer long.
1. Use Your Thermostat to Your Advantage
Your thermostat is one of the simplest and most effective tools you have for managing your energy use during the summer. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting it to 78°F when you are home and increasing it by a few degrees when you go out or go to sleep. For every degree you raise the setting, you can save up to 3% on your cooling costs over time.
If your apartment has a programmable or smart thermostat, take a few minutes to build a schedule around your typical day. Your AC should not be running at peak power when the apartment is empty and quiet.
2. Make Your Ceiling Fans Work Harder
Ceiling fans are a quiet and efficient way to feel cooler without adding anything to your energy bill. They do not actually change the temperature in the room, but the moving air creates a wind chill effect that makes the space feel several degrees cooler than it truly is. Running a ceiling fan allows you to raise your thermostat by about 4°F while staying just as comfortable throughout the day.
Check that your fan is spinning counterclockwise during the summer so it pushes cooler air downward. Always turn fans off when you leave the room since they cool people, not empty spaces.
3. Keep the Sun from Warming Up Your Home
Windows can let in a surprising amount of heat during the afternoon, especially on south and west facing sides of your apartment. During the hottest stretch of the day, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., keep your blinds, curtains, or shades drawn on those windows to keep solar heat from building up inside your home.
Blackout curtains or thermal drapes are an affordable and effective way to reduce heat gain throughout the day. They help your apartment stay cooler longer and take a real load off your air conditioning system.
4. Be Mindful of Your Appliance Habits
Everyday appliances like ovens, dryers, and dishwashers give off more heat than most people realize, and using them during the hottest parts of the day can make your apartment noticeably warmer. A few small changes to your routine can have a bigger impact than you might expect.
On hot days, reach for the microwave, air fryer, or slow cooker instead of turning on the oven. Schedule laundry and dishwasher cycles for the evening or early morning when it is naturally cooler outside. If you have not yet made the switch to LED bulbs, now is an ideal time since they generate far less heat than traditional incandescent options. Also make it a habit to unplug chargers and idle devices when they are not in use because they continue drawing power and releasing heat even when nothing is actively charging.
5. Look for Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors
Cool air slipping out through gaps around your windows and exterior doors puts extra strain on your AC and can make it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature inside your home. Take a few minutes to walk through your apartment and check for drafts near window frames and at the base of any exterior doors.
If you spot something that needs attention, reach out to our maintenance team at Wesley Providence and we will get it taken care of quickly. A draft stopper placed at the base of a door is also a fast and inexpensive solution to reduce air loss in the meantime.
6. Bring in Fresh Air When It Cools Down Outside
Your AC does not need to run constantly to keep your home feeling fresh and comfortable. On cooler mornings and evenings, typically before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m., open your windows to let outside air move through your apartment and give your system a well earned rest. Opening windows on opposite sides of your home encourages a natural cross breeze that circulates cool air without using a single watt of electricity.
Once the outdoor temperature rises above the temperature inside your apartment, close the windows back up and let your AC take over for the rest of the day.
7. Replace Your AC Filter Regularly
A dirty or clogged air filter forces your AC to work much harder to circulate cool air throughout your apartment. That added strain drives up energy use and can also have a negative impact on the air quality in your home. During the summer when your system is running more often, check your filter monthly and replace it every one to three months depending on your household.
If you have questions about your filter or need support with your HVAC system, the maintenance team at Wesley Providence is always ready to assist. Just submit a request and we will take it from there.
8. Seek Out the Coolest Corners of Your Home
Different parts of your apartment will naturally feel cooler than others throughout the day. Heat rises and rooms with direct sun exposure tend to warm up more quickly, while interior spaces and lower level areas stay more comfortable. During peak afternoon heat, spend time in those naturally cooler spots and keep your interior doors open so cool air from your AC can circulate freely rather than pooling in just one part of your home.
Come Home to Comfort at Wesley Providence
A cool and comfortable summer does not have to come with an oversized energy bill. With a few mindful habits and small adjustments to your daily routine, you can keep your apartment feeling like a true sanctuary no matter how hot it gets outside.
When you are ready to step out and enjoy the season, Stonecrest has plenty to offer and our community amenities are a wonderful place to start. And whenever you need support or have a question about your home, the Wesley Providence team is always here for you.
Here is to a refreshing, relaxing, and energy smart summer from all of us at Wesley Providence Apartments!