Alabama summers are no joke. From June through September, Montgomery regularly sees temperatures in the 90s with humidity that makes it feel well over 100°F. That puts serious strain on your HVAC system — and your electricity bill. The good news is that a few simple habits can keep your home comfortable without running your AC into the ground.

Change Your Air Filter Every Month

This is the single most impactful thing you can do as a renter. A dirty air filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, which means higher energy bills, reduced cooling, and a shorter system lifespan. In Alabama's dusty, pollen-heavy summers, filters clog faster than you'd expect.

Standard 1-inch filters are available at Walmart, Home Depot, and Dollar General for a few dollars. Check your filter size (printed on the side of your current filter), buy a 3-pack, and swap it out on the 1st of every month. If your filter is visibly gray or clogged, it's overdue.

If your HVAC isn't cooling properly even with a fresh filter, submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal and we'll send a technician.

Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way

Ceiling fans don't actually cool the air — they cool you by creating a wind-chill effect on your skin. For this to work in summer, your fan blades need to spin counterclockwise (when viewed from below). Most fans have a small switch on the motor housing that controls direction.

Running fans in occupied rooms lets you set your thermostat 3–4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. Turn fans off when you leave the room — since they only cool people, not spaces, leaving them on in an empty room just wastes electricity.

Close Blinds and Curtains During the Day

South- and west-facing windows take the brunt of afternoon sun. Drawing the blinds or curtains on these windows during peak hours (roughly noon to 6 PM) can reduce indoor heat gain significantly. Blackout curtains are especially effective and are available for under $20 a panel at most stores.

If your home has older single-pane windows, this step is even more important. The glass itself radiates heat into the room, and blocking direct sunlight makes a noticeable difference.

Don't Set Your Thermostat Too Low

It's tempting to crank the AC down to 68°F when it's sweltering outside, but this forces your system to run constantly and can drive your electricity bill well over $200/month. The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you're home and 85°F when you're away.

If 78°F feels warm, combine it with ceiling fans — the moving air will make it feel more like 74°F. A programmable or smart thermostat can also help by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule.

Seal Drafts and Gaps

Cool air escapes through gaps around doors, windows, and where pipes or wires enter the home. Check for drafts around exterior doors — if you can see daylight under the door, a simple draft stopper (under $10) can make a real difference. For windows, temporary weatherstrip tape is inexpensive and easy to apply without damaging the frame.

If you notice significant drafts or gaps that need permanent repair, submit a maintenance request and we'll take care of it.

Be Smart About Heat-Generating Appliances

Your oven, dryer, and dishwasher all generate substantial heat. During the hottest part of the day, try to avoid using them. Instead:

• Cook on the stovetop, use a microwave, or grill outdoors instead of using the oven
• Run the dishwasher and dryer in the evening or early morning when it's cooler
• Use the air-dry setting on your dishwasher instead of heated dry
• Consider air-drying laundry on a rack when possible

Keep Vents Clear and Open

Make sure furniture, rugs, and curtains aren't blocking your air vents or return registers. Blocked vents restrict airflow and force your system to work harder. Walk through your home and check that every vent has at least 12 inches of clearance.

Also, never close vents in unused rooms thinking it will save energy. Closing vents creates pressure imbalances that can actually make your system less efficient and cause issues over time.

When to Submit a Maintenance Request

Normal wear on an HVAC system is expected, but certain signs mean it's time to call us:

• The system is running but not cooling the home below 80°F
• You hear unusual noises — grinding, squealing, or banging
• You notice water pooling around the indoor unit
• The system is cycling on and off rapidly (short cycling)
• There's a musty or burning smell coming from the vents

Submit a request through your Resident Portal or call us at (972) 833-1261. For a complete loss of cooling during extreme heat, this qualifies as an emergency — call us directly.