June 2023

We love summer in Rochester, but it also means coping with hot and humid weather. While all Erie Station Village apartments and townhomes come equipped with air conditioning to keep you cool, there are other ways to beat the heat. By being mindful of your AC usage and making a few small adjustments, you can not only help the environment but also save some money. Here are seven tips to keep your place cooler this summer:

1. Close the blinds: If you have windows that get direct sunlight during the day, keeping the blinds closed or curtains drawn will make a big difference. It’s especially helpful to do this during the sunniest parts of the day. For windows on lower floors, try angling your blinds upwards to block those sneaky rays and keep the heat out.
2. Open windows at night: Take advantage of those pleasant summer evenings. Opening your windows at night allows for a refreshing cross-breeze that can help you and your family sleep better. The cool air circulating throughout the night will leave you waking up to a cool home in the morning.
3. Keep interior doors open: If your living space isn’t open-concept, make sure to leave your interior doors open. Open doors allow air to flow freely, preventing hot spots and helping to regulate the overall temperature within your space.
4. Up the thermostat by one degree: Increasing your thermostat by just one degree in warmer weather can reduce the operating cost of your air conditioning by around 10 percent. And don’t worry, a slight one-degree adjustment shouldn’t even be noticeable to you.
5. Chill out: Embrace the coolness in other ways too! Enjoy icy-cold drinks, place a damp cloth on your neck or other pressure points on your body, or take a refreshing cold shower to cool down without relying solely on the air conditioner. That includes spending a little time at the Erie Station Village pool!
6. Try a fan (+ ice): Sometimes a simple oscillating fan can do wonders to get the air moving and provide relief from the heat. For an extra cool breeze, place a shallow bowl or pan of ice in front of the fan. You’ll be amazed at how it transforms into a budget-friendly cold mist machine.
7. Keep the oven off: Opt for stovetop cooking or using the microwave instead of firing up the oven. Baking or roasting in the oven releases a significant amount of heat into your apartment, making it harder to keep cool. And hey, it’s a great excuse to enjoy some refreshing salads, fruits, and other unheated foods during the summer months.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to stay cool and comfortable while being kind to the environment and your wallet. Wishing you a fantastic, refreshing summer ahead!