While living in Irving, Texas, has its perks, the incoming summer heat can be both a pro and con. Enjoying the warm weather outdoors is fun, but most of our community residents want to stay cool while in their apartment homes.
AC is the obvious way to keep temps down indoors, and Texas has historically been involved in the development of air conditioning. Texas is home to both the first air-conditioned public building (Orange, TX) and full building to be completely air conditioned (San Antonio, TX)! Check out this article to learn more about the history of AC.
However, heavy AC usage can also increase your electricity bill. Here are 4 simple ways to keep your apartment cooler this summer:
Block Out the Sun
One of the best ways to cool down a room is to invest in curtains. Blocking out the sunlight keeps the room cooler throughout the day. It can be a pain to purchase, hang, and maintain curtains, but it will have a noticeable impact on your home’s temperature. This is especially useful for individuals or families that are gone for work, school, or other activities during the day.
Keep in mind your family’s lifestyle when selecting curtains. Light, floor-length curtains might work perfectly in the space, but for those with active toddlers or pets… it will likely be more effort than its worth.
Plus, installing curtains does not have to mean sacrificing style. Check out this blog post for some great, aesthetic ideas that might work in your apartment.
Meal Prep
Turning on the stove can make your kitchen space feel hot and stuffy. Reducing the number of times you use the stove in your day can help keep your home cooler. One way to strategically do this is by meal prepping so that the bulk of your cooking is done on one or two designated days.
It may also be fun to check out different “summer” or stove free recipes. Love baking? Try a no-bake cookies instead! Our community also has outdoor grilling space that is perfect for summer nights.
There are countless ways to get creative in the kitchen to use the stove less on particularly hot weeks (or months…).
Check On Your Ceiling Fan
If your floor plan has ceiling fans, you need to double check on what direction they’re spinning! Most people do not know this, but the direction your ceiling fans spin should change with the seasons. In the hotter months, your blades should be spinning counterclockwise to push the air in your room up.
Check if your fan has a switch to flip the direction of the fan if its spinning in the wrong direction. If you live in the Verandah at Valley Ranch community, contact our service team with any issues regarding your fans.
(P.S. In the winter, make sure you turn your ceiling fans to spin clockwise!)
Change Your Laundry
Swap out heavy blankets and comforters for lighter bedding materials such as cotton or linen. These fabrics are more breathable and will help you stay cool and comfortable while you sleep. 100% cotton sheets to cooling gel pillows, there are great summer bedding options available to try.
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The heat should never discourage you from enjoying all that Irving has to offer! Living in a community like the Verandah at Valley Ranch presents unique opportunities to beat the heat together. Take advantage of communal amenities such as swimming pools, shaded lounging areas, and outdoor recreational spaces to stay cool and socialize with neighbors.
Lastly, keep an eye on local weather forecasts and heat advisories to plan ahead for particularly hot days. Knowing when to expect extreme temperatures can help you prepare by adjusting your cooling strategies accordingly.
By incorporating these tips into your summer cooling routine, you can ensure that your apartment remains a comfortable oasis amid Irving's sizzling summer temperatures. Whether you're relaxing indoors, exploring outdoor attractions, or connecting with neighbors in your community, staying cool and refreshed will enhance your enjoyment of everything Irving has to offer.
Moving soon? Check out this blog for tips for moving in the heat!