Keeping Tenants Cool the Affordable Way

Maintaining reasonable indoor temperatures doesn't have to require a large investment, though high indoor heat can lead to tenant dissatisfaction, an increase in turnover and vacancy rates, and complaints. There are many measures you can implement to help keep tenants cool while not breaking the bank.

Today, we’ve gathered four simple and cost-effective ways to keep tenants cool and comfortable.

Optimizing Airflow

One of the most affordable ways to maintain lower temperatures is by understanding how to optimize airflow with fans. If your rental property has ceiling fans, ensure they’re spinning counterclockwise in the summer. This pushes the hot air downward, which circulates the cooler air to the top, helping rooms cool down by a few degrees.

Alternatively, if your rental is a single-family home, consider installing attic fans. Attics tend to be the hottest part of a home during the summer. If the room temperature is 80°F, the attic can get as hot as 100°F. An attic fan moves that hot air out of the attic, replacing it with ambient temperature air. This results in a number of benefits, which can lower the temperature in the home by up to 5°F. It also helps reduce wear and tear on the HVAC system while lowering the energy bills for your tenants.

Inspect the Seal Around Doors and Windows

Seals around doors and windows can weaken after temperature fluctuations between summer and winter. You should inspect these seals for gaps and cracks, while this may not seem as impactful in the short term, allowing them to continue to degrade can affect your cooling and electrical systems in the long term. As the hot air can leak into the home, the HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable atmosphere, which will also put a heavier load on your electrical system.

Efficient lighting

Lighting can also produce unwanted heat; however, this is less of an issue in modern days. Older fluorescent and incandescent bulbs are not only less efficient than modern LED light bulbs, but they can also generate more heat. LED bulbs not only last longer than traditional bulbs, but they also operate at a lower temperature and reduce utility expenses over time. If your tenants still use older bulbs, gifting your tenants with high-efficiency LED bulbs can not only help them stay cool, but it can save you and them money in the long term. This can help garner goodwill from your tenant and improve their satisfaction.

A/C Settings and Care

While you can't control how your tenants use the A/C system, you can help them be more efficient with it. Consider installing smart thermostats to help tenants set up schedules and have the ability to turn off the A/C remotely in case they forget. Additionally, ensuring to do maintenance on the cooling system before the hotter days arrive can help you prevent expensive repairs. Replace air filters, clean air vents, and remember to clear debris from the outdoor condenser unit. This can help to ensure proper airflow and optimal performance of the compressor system.

While there are more ways to maintain lower temperatures in your rental, these are a great way to get started. These methods don't require major renovations or even long-term commitments, and when implemented together, can make a significant difference in comfort levels for your tenants. If you’re looking for other ways to keep your tenants cool or you need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online.