How to Keep Your Rental Home Cool and Comfortable in Summer 

Summer is here and with it, in many parts of the country, comes the blazing sun and rising temperatures. The good news is you don’t have to compromise comfort to keep your rental home cool and comfortable all summer long. Here are some simple, effective strategies to enjoy the summer weather without breaking a sweat in your living space!  

If your home has south or west-facing windows, draw the blinds or curtains whenever possible to trap cooler air indoors. Bonus points if they’re blackout curtains, as these are designed specifically to reflect UV rays and heat.  

Even at night, south-facing windows can radiate heat that warms your home. Close blinds or curtains at night to trap cooler indoor air. This easy-to-implement step can reduce the amount of heat radiating into your home.  

Did you know that fan direction matters? Ensure your home’s ceiling fans are rotating counter-clockwise during summer, as this creates a breezy windchill effect to make you feel cooler without having to lower the thermostat. It’s also important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms, so be sure to aim them directly at yourself for maximum effect. 

Large appliances like ovens and stovetops generate a lot of heat in the kitchen. If possible, use smaller appliances such as toaster ovens or air fryers, especially during the warmest parts of the day. If the weather is nice enough, consider cooking outdoors on the grill. 

When it comes to temperature, a little adjustment goes a long way. Bump up your thermostat by just 2-3 degrees when you’re out or asleep. You likely won’t feel much difference.  

If your home has a programmable thermostat, you can set it to automatically adjust to slightly higher, energy-saving temperatures when no one is at home. Many of Progress Residential’s rental homes include Smart Home thermostats that can help reduce heating and cooling energy costs by as much as 15%. 

• Lighting: Swap out traditional incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs. LEDs give off significantly less heat, keeping your home cooler. 

• Doors: Close doors to unused rooms to keep cool air concentrated in the areas you use most. Keep interior doors open, especially between rooms with ceiling fans. This allows cool air to circulate freely throughout your home. 

• Air Filters: To maximize the efficiency and cooling power of your A/C unit, be sure to replace your air filters regularly. We recommend changing them monthly for optimal results. 

Beating the heat in your rental home doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple tips, you can create a comfortable living space all season long.