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Summers in McDonough are no joke. Between the heat and the humidity, keeping your apartment cool can feel like a full-time job. But staying comfortable does not have to mean watching your energy bill climb higher every month. At Station 75 Apartments, we believe our residents deserve to enjoy the season without the stress of high utility costs. Here are some practical, easy-to-follow tips to help you stay cool and save energy all summer long.
1. Set Your Thermostat with Intention
One of the most effective ways to reduce your energy usage is to be thoughtful about your thermostat settings. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat at 78°F when you are home and setting it a few degrees higher when you are away or asleep. For every degree you bump it up, you can save up to 3% on your cooling costs.
If your apartment has a programmable or smart thermostat, put it to work by creating a schedule around your daily routine. Your AC does not need to run at full capacity when the apartment is empty.
2. Make the Most of Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great ally during the summer months. While they do not actually lower the temperature in a room, they create a wind chill effect that makes the space feel several degrees cooler. Using a ceiling fan alongside your AC allows you to raise your thermostat setting by about 4°F without any loss of comfort.
Make sure your fan is set to spin counterclockwise during the summer so it pushes cool air downward. And remember to turn it off when you leave the room since fans cool people, not spaces.
3. Block Out the Sun at Peak Hours
Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat gain in an apartment. During the hottest stretch of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., keep your blinds, curtains, or shades closed on south and west facing windows to stop the sun from warming up your living space.
Investing in blackout curtains or thermal drapes is a smart, affordable move that can keep your apartment noticeably cooler throughout the day and reduce how hard your AC has to work.
4. Adjust How You Use Everyday Appliances
Many common household appliances give off more heat than you might expect, and small changes in how and when you use them can have a real impact on your comfort and your energy bill.
Skip the oven on the hottest days and reach for the microwave, air fryer, or slow cooker instead. Run your dishwasher and laundry at night or in the early morning hours when it is cooler outside. If you have not made the switch to LED bulbs yet, summer is a great time to do it since they produce far less heat than incandescent options. Also make it a habit to unplug chargers and small electronics when they are not in use because they continue drawing power and generating heat even in standby mode.
5. Track Down and Seal Air Leaks
Cool air slipping out through gaps around your windows and doors forces your AC to run longer and work harder than necessary. Walk around your apartment and check the edges of your windows and the bottoms of exterior doors for any noticeable drafts or openings.
If you spot something that needs attention, put in a maintenance request and our team will get it handled. A draft stopper placed at the base of a door is also a quick and inexpensive temporary fix while you wait.
6. Let Fresh Air In When Temperatures Drop
Your AC does not need to carry the full load every hour of the day. On cooler mornings and evenings, usually before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m., open your windows to bring in fresh air and give your system a break. Opening windows on opposite sides of your apartment helps create a cross breeze that naturally circulates cooler air throughout the space.
Once the outdoor temperature starts to rise above the temperature inside your apartment, go ahead and close the windows and let the AC take back over.
7. Replace Your AC Filter Regularly
A dirty or clogged air filter makes your AC system work much harder to push cool air through your apartment. That extra effort drives up energy use and can also reduce the air quality inside your home. During the summer months, plan to check your filter every month and replace it every one to three months depending on use.
If you have any questions about your filter or need help with your HVAC system, our maintenance team at Station 75 is always ready to assist. Just submit a request and we will take care of it.
8. Spend Time in the Coolest Spots
Heat rises naturally, so lower floors and interior rooms away from direct sunlight tend to stay cooler throughout the day. During peak heat hours, gravitate toward those areas of your apartment and keep your interior doors open so that cool air can move freely from room to room rather than getting concentrated in one spot.
Cool Off and Enjoy Summer at Station 75
A comfortable summer apartment does not have to come with a shocking utility bill. With a few mindful adjustments to your daily routine, you can keep things cool, stretch your energy dollars further, and still make the most of everything McDonough has to offer this time of year.
When you need a change of scenery or a place to relax and unwind, our community amenities are right here waiting for you. And if you ever have a maintenance concern or a question about your home, the Station 75 leasing team is just a call or visit away.
Here is to a cool, carefree, and energy smart summer from everyone at Station 75 Apartments!