As summer comes, so does the warm weather. While it’s great for patio hopping, sports and road trips, it can make some rental units uncomfortable to live in. Whether you add an air conditioner over the summer months as per your rental agreement or invest in fans to keep rentals cool over the summer, we want to highlight some tips to stay comfortable in your home.
Importance of Good Air Circulation to Keep Rentals Cool Over the Summer
As the warmer weather approaches, it brings challenges. Good air circulation helps in distributing the indoor air evenly, reducing hot spots in the rental. This leads to a more uniform temperature throughout the in keeping cool. Good air circulation is essential for keeping your rental cool this summer. Additionally, continuous air movement improves indoor air quality by filtering out pollutants, which is crucial for spaces with limited fresh air exchange. Enhanced comfort is another benefit of efficient air circulation, as in space.
Prevention of Mold and Mildew: Adequate airflow minimizes moisture buildup, which helps prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
Improved Air Quality: Continuous air movement helps filter out and dilute indoor pollutants, which is particularly important in areas with limited outdoor air exchange.
Enhanced Comfort: Efficient air circulation can significantly improve comfort levels by facilitating the evaporation of sweat, which cools the body naturally.
Tips on Using Existing Ventilation Systems Efficiently
Regular Maintenance
It’s important to keep your air vents and filters clean. Please check and clean them regularly to prevent any blockages by dust or debris. This not only helps in maintaining good airflow throughout your rental but also ensures your ventilation system works efficiently, keeping your space comfortably cool.
Optimal Fan Settings
To enhance the cooling effect of your air conditioning, use ceiling or standing fans in conjunction with your AC unit. Make sure to set your fans to rotate counterclockwise during the summer months. This setting helps push cool air downward, maximizing the cooling effect throughout your living space.
Vent Management
Keep the interior doors within your apartment open as much as possible. This practice allows air to circulate freely, which helps maintain a consistent temperature in all rooms. If you feel that airflow is still insufficient, consider using vent boosters.
Managing Household Appliances to Avoid Overheating Your Space
Timing Is Everything: To prevent your apartment from getting too warm, try to avoid using heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers, and dryers during the hottest parts of the day. It’s best to use these during early mornings or late evenings when temperatures are cooler.
Explore Alternatives: Consider using less heat-intensive appliances. Microwave ovens, toaster ovens, or even an outdoor grill can be great alternatives for cooking. For laundry and dishes, air drying is an effective way to minimize heat without using your dryer or dishwasher’s drying cycle.
Keep the Heat Out of the Kitchen: If you need to use the stove or oven, make sure to turn on the exhaust fan to help vent the hot air out of your kitchen. Additional fans in windows can also help to move the hot air out more quickly.
Tips for Maintaining Appliances for Optimal Performance
Refrigerators: Your fridge works overtime during hot days. Keep it running efficiently by regularly cleaning the condenser coils, which can be found at the back or underneath your fridge, and make sure there’s enough space around it for air to circulate properly. Also, clean the door seals to ensure they’re tight and secure.
Air Conditioners: To keep your living space comfortably cool, ensure your air conditioner’s filters are cleaned and replaced monthly during summer. Check the coolant levels and the drainage system regularly. Consider a professional check-up to ensure your system is in top shape for the heat.
Fans: Dust off your fans regularly as dust accumulation can decrease their efficiency. If you have ceiling fans, set them to rotate counterclockwise to push cool air downwards.
Dehumidifiers: In humid conditions, a dehumidifier can help make your apartment feel cooler. Maintain your unit by regularly emptying the water bucket and cleaning the air filter to ensure it functions effectively.
Local Resources for Cooling Relief
If we’re in the middle of a heat wave and the above tips are not helping to keep your rental cool in the middle of the day, there are some options across the city to get some relief.
Community Cooling Centers: Many cities open public buildings such as libraries, community centers, and senior centers as cooling centers during heat waves. These facilities are air-conditioned and provide a comfortable environment where residents can escape the heat. Check the local government or city council website for a list of locations and their operating hours.
Public Pools and Water Features: Swimming pools, splash pads, and public fountains can offer refreshing relief on hot days. Local recreational centers or parks often have such facilities available. Information on access and hours can typically be found on the local parks department’s website.
Health and Social Services: The City of Kingston offers special services during heat emergencies, such as hydration stations or extended hours for public transit to more accessible cooling centers. Local health departments or community service websites might provide updates and alerts related to heat safety.
In conclusion, keeping rentals cool is not just about comfort, it’s about creating a space where tenants can thrive. By implementing the suggested tips, you can save on energy costs, promote a healthier living environment, and increase tenant satisfaction. Don’t let the hottest days leave you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable. Contact Axon Property Management today for expert advice on cooling solutions.
