The recent heat wave has left us all sweating! While buildings in Michigan are made to withstand more variable climate, high levels of heat and humidity can still be uncomfortable to deal with. Luckily, there are simple things any apartment owner can do to keep cool and safe during these steamy summer months.
Here’s a few easy ideas that might help:
Keep blinds closed in mid-afternoon. In Michigan, the hottest part of the day is usually around 2-4 p.m. Keeping the blinds closed will keep sunlight from flooding in and heating things up. This will also keep things like wallpaper and flooring from fading.
Keep air flowing. Close doors to rooms you aren’t using, but keep the heavily-trafficked rooms open. This step will ensure that the cooler air flows where you need it to. If you have portable fans, have them set up to create a cross-breeze. You can also put a bowl of ice in front of these fans to create a cooler airflow.
Avoid cooking as much as possible. Using the oven or stovetop, introduces more heat to an already warm environment. Instead, focus on making meals that don’t require heat, or use an instant pot, microwave or crock pot. If you do need to use the oven or stove, try to use the kitchen exhaust fan to keep the temperature in your apartment as low as possible.
Open windows at night. When the sun goes down, the air often gets cooler. Take advantage of this by opening your windows during the night to increase airflow, and ventilate the space to keep the humidity from causing problems like mold or mildew.
With these tips, you can keep your apartment as cool and comfortable as possible. Stay safe, and don’t forget to stay hydrated.
By: Jillian Mikolaizyk
