As temperatures rise, it can be difficult to keep your property and residents cool and comfortable. The OR-MEP team compiled a list of low- to no-cost methods and best practices to share with your residents during this season to beat the heat.

Ventilate Units: Encourage your residents to use exhaust fans during and shortly after bathing and cooking, typically for 15-20 minutes after use. While ventilation is always encouraged during activities that produce heat and leave moisture in the air, rising temperatures can prolong lingering humidity and hot air.

Cool People, Not the Air: Encourage residents to direct cooling methods toward themselves, rather than their entire unit. For example, residents should operate fans in the room(s) they are in.

Adjust Thermostat(s): Thermostat settings for both private units and common areas should be raised during warm weather in the range of 71 to 75 degrees. Remind residents to further raise their thermostat settings or power off their cooling devices before leaving their homes or going to bed.

Cover Windows: Aside from partial sunlight hours, encourage residents to keep curtains and blinds closed as often as possible throughout the day to minimize heat gain. This is especially important during hours of direct sunlight. Windows can stay open while covered, when an air conditioning unit is not running.

Limit Lighting: Even small plug-in appliances can increase indoor temperatures. Encourage residents to try maximizing natural, filtered light in their unit’s dedicated work and study spaces; instead of relying on appliances like desk lamps.

Humidity from House Plants: Encourage residents to consider temporarily relocating their houseplants to a well-ventilated room, or better yet, an outside area. While lively and beautiful, plants release moisture into the air creating more humidity in a space.

Interested in more comprehensive upgrade opportunities? Connect with an energy advisor at OR-MEP who can walk you through our incentive offerings, or complete an interest form for a project you’re considering.