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Living on The Beltline means you are right in the middle of one of Atlanta's most vibrant and walkable communities. Summer here is full of energy, outdoor events, and the warm Georgia sun that makes it all feel alive. But when you come home after a long day of exploring, the last thing you want is a sweltering apartment and a sky high energy bill. At 915 Glenwood Apartments, we want our residents to enjoy the best of city living all summer long, and that starts with a cool and comfortable home. Here are some of our favorite tips for staying cool and keeping your energy use in check this season.
1. Set Your Thermostat with Purpose
Being intentional about your thermostat settings is one of the easiest ways to manage your energy costs without giving up any comfort. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat at 78°F when you are home and raising it a few degrees when you head out to explore the neighborhood or call it a night. For every degree you increase the setting, you can save up to 3% on your cooling costs.
If your apartment has a programmable or smart thermostat, set up a schedule that works around your lifestyle. There is no need for your AC to run at full strength when you are out on The Beltline soaking up the summer.
2. Let Your Ceiling Fans Pull Their Weight
Ceiling fans are one of the most efficient and underappreciated tools for staying comfortable during the summer. They do not lower the actual temperature in your apartment, but the airflow they create produces a wind chill effect that makes the space feel several degrees cooler. With a ceiling fan running, you can raise your thermostat by about 4°F and still feel perfectly comfortable.
Make sure your fan is set to spin counterclockwise during the warmer months so it pushes cool air downward where you can actually feel it. And always turn fans off when you leave a room since they cool the people inside, not the room itself.
3. Block Out Heat During Peak Afternoon Hours
City apartments often have large windows that let in plenty of natural light, which is beautiful but can also mean more heat building up inside during the afternoon. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., keep your blinds, curtains, or shades closed on south and west facing windows to prevent solar heat from warming up your living space.
Blackout curtains or thermal drapes are a smart investment for urban apartment living. They reduce heat gain significantly throughout the day and help your home stay noticeably cooler without any extra effort from your AC.
4. Rethink When You Use Your Appliances
Everyday appliances like ovens, dryers, and dishwashers generate more heat than most people expect, and running them during the hottest parts of the day adds to the warmth already building up inside your apartment. A few simple habit shifts can help keep things cooler.
On hot summer days, skip the oven and use a microwave, air fryer, or slow cooker instead. Run your dishwasher and laundry in the evening or early morning when outdoor temperatures are naturally lower. If you have not yet switched to LED bulbs, now is a great time since they produce far less heat than traditional incandescent options. Unplugging chargers and electronics when they are not actively in use is also worth the habit since they draw power and give off heat even in standby mode.
5. Check Around Windows and Doors for Air Leaks
Even in a well maintained apartment, small gaps around windows and exterior doors can let cool air escape and allow warm air in from outside, making your AC run longer than necessary. Take a few minutes to check around your window frames and at the base of exterior doors for any noticeable drafts.
If you find something that needs attention, submit a maintenance request and our team at 915 Glenwood will get it handled promptly. A draft stopper at the base of a door is also a quick and inexpensive fix to reduce air loss in the meantime.
6. Open Up When the City Cools Down
One of the perks of living on The Beltline is the beautiful outdoor air that rolls through on summer mornings and evenings. Before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m., when temperatures naturally drop, open your windows to let fresh air move through your apartment and give your AC a well earned break. Opening windows on opposite sides of your home encourages a natural cross breeze that refreshes your space without using any electricity.
Once the outdoor temperature starts to climb above the temperature inside your home, close the windows back up and let your AC take over again.
7. Keep Your AC Filter in Good Shape
A dirty or clogged filter makes your air conditioning system work significantly harder to keep your apartment cool, which drives up your energy use and can also affect the quality of air circulating through your home. During the summer when your system is running more often, check your filter every month and replace it every one to three months based on use.
If you have questions about your filter or need help with your HVAC system, the 915 Glenwood maintenance team is always here to assist. Just put in a request and we will take care of it.
8. Find the Naturally Cooler Spots in Your Home
Not every room in your apartment heats up at the same rate. Rooms with direct sun exposure and south or west facing windows tend to warm up faster during the afternoon, while interior spaces stay more comfortable. During peak heat hours, gravitate toward those cooler areas and keep your interior doors open so that cool air from your AC can flow freely throughout your entire home rather than concentrating in just one space.
Cool Off and Enjoy the Best of The Beltline
Summer on The Beltline is something special, and it should be enjoyed to the fullest. With a few intentional habits at home, you can keep your apartment cool, manage your energy costs, and still have plenty of energy left over for everything Atlanta has to offer just outside your front door.
When you are ready to step out, The Beltline is waiting with trails, events, restaurants, and more. And whenever you need support or have a question about your home, the 915 Glenwood team is always here for you.
Here is to a cool, energized, and unforgettable summer from all of us at 915 Glenwood Apartments!