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Summers in Newnan are warm, humid, and full of Georgia charm. But as the temperatures climb, so can your energy bill. Keeping your apartment cool and comfortable throughout the season does not have to mean overspending every month. At Stillwood Farms Apartments, we are committed to making sure our residents feel right at home, and that includes helping you get the most out of your living space even during the hottest months of the year. Here are some of our top tips for staying cool and managing energy costs this summer.
1. Use Your Thermostat Wisely
Being intentional about your thermostat settings is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your energy use without sacrificing comfort. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you are home and nudging it a few degrees higher when you are away or sleeping. Each degree you raise the setting can save you up to 3% on your cooling costs.
If your apartment has a programmable or smart thermostat, take a few minutes to set up a schedule that works around your daily routine. There is no reason for your AC to run at full power when the apartment is sitting empty.
2. Let Your Ceiling Fans Help
Ceiling fans are a surprisingly effective partner to your air conditioning system during the summer. While they do not actually cool the air, the breeze they create makes a room feel noticeably cooler, which means you can raise your thermostat by about 4°F and still feel perfectly comfortable.
Make sure your fan is spinning counterclockwise during the warmer months so it pushes cool air downward where it can actually be felt. And always turn fans off when you leave a room since they work by cooling people, not spaces.
3. Block the Sun During Peak Afternoon Hours
Windows let in a lot more heat than most people expect, particularly during the afternoon hours when the sun is at its strongest. 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 your apartment.
Blackout curtains or thermal drapes are an affordable investment that can make a real difference in how cool your home stays throughout the day. They reduce the work your AC has to do and help maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature indoors.
4. Adjust When and How You Use Appliances
Everyday appliances like ovens, dryers, and dishwashers produce more heat than most people realize. A few simple habit shifts can help keep your apartment cooler and take some pressure off your AC system.
Avoid using the oven during the hottest parts of the day and opt for a microwave, air fryer, or slow cooker instead. Run your dishwasher and laundry in the evening or early morning when it is naturally cooler outside. If you have not switched to LED bulbs yet, summer is a great time to make the change since they give off far less heat than incandescent bulbs. Get in the habit of unplugging electronics and chargers when they are not in use because even on standby they draw power and add heat to your living space.
5. Find and Address Air Leaks
Cool air escaping through gaps around your windows and doors means your AC has to work harder and run longer to keep your apartment at a comfortable temperature. Take a few minutes to check around your window frames and at the base of exterior doors for any noticeable drafts or openings.
If you find something that needs a fix, submit a maintenance request and our team at Stillwood Farms will get it taken care of promptly. In the meantime, a draft stopper at the base of a door is a quick and inexpensive way to help reduce air loss.
6. Open Up When It Cools Down Outside
Your AC does not need to run all day to keep your apartment feeling fresh. On cooler mornings and evenings, typically before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m., open your windows to bring in outside air and give your system a well earned rest. Opening windows on opposite sides of your apartment creates a natural cross breeze that moves cool air through the space without using any electricity.
Once the outdoor temperature rises above the temperature inside your home, go ahead and close everything back up and let the AC take over again for the rest of the day.
7. Replace Your AC Filter on a Regular Schedule
A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow and forces your AC unit to use more energy to do its job. Over the summer months this can add up quickly on your energy bill, and it can also affect the air quality inside your home. Check your filter every month during the summer and plan to replace it every one to three months based on how much use it gets.
If you have questions about your filter or need support with your HVAC system, the maintenance team at Stillwood Farms is always glad to help. Just put in a request and we will be right there.
8. Spend Time in the Naturally Cooler Parts of Your Home
Heat rises and sun exposed rooms warm up faster than shaded or interior spaces, so different areas of your apartment will feel noticeably different at different times of day. During the hottest afternoon hours, gravitate toward the cooler spots in your home and keep your interior doors open so that cool air from your AC can move freely throughout the apartment rather than getting stuck in one area.
Cool Down and Settle In at Stillwood Farms
A comfortable, energy efficient summer is well within reach. With a few thoughtful adjustments to your daily habits, you can keep your apartment cool, protect your budget, and still enjoy everything the season has to offer right here in Newnan.
When you are ready to step outside and take a break, our community amenities are the perfect place to relax and recharge. And whenever you need support with your home, the Stillwood Farms team is always just a call or visit away.
Here is to a cool, comfortable, and energy smart summer from all of us at Stillwood Farms Apartments!