1. Block the Sun Before It Heats Your Space

Roughly a third of the unwanted heat in your home comes in through the windows, so your first line of defense is keeping sunlight out during the hottest part of the day. Close blinds, shades, or curtains on sun-facing windows in the morning before the heat builds, and you'll keep your apartment noticeably cooler without lifting a finger again.

For an extra boost, blackout curtains or inexpensive heat-reducing window film can make a real difference, and most options are completely removable, which makes them perfect for renters. The U.S. Department of Energy has a helpful overview of window coverings and other summer cooling strategies worth a look.

2. Use Fans the Smart Way

Fans are a renter's best friend because they're cheap, portable, and effective, but only when used correctly. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind-chill effect on your skin. That means there's no point running a fan in an empty room, so turn it off when you leave.

A few ways to get more out of your fans:

• Create a cross breeze if your layout allows it. If your unit has windows on more than one wall, place a fan near an open window on the cooler side to pull fresh air in, and crack a window on the opposite side to let warm air escape. If you have a single-exposure unit, a fan pointed toward an open window in the evening still helps move warm air out.
• Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans while showering or cooking to push out heat and humidity.
• Try a DIY cooler. Set a bowl of ice in front of a fan for a quick burst of cooler air.

One important safety note: when indoor temperatures climb above 90°F, a fan alone may not be enough to keep you safe, and you'll want access to air conditioning or a cooler space instead.

3. Make the Most of Your Air Conditioning

How you cool your unit depends on what you've got. Many of our units come with central air conditioning, while others rely on window units or fans, so use whatever applies to your home.

If you have central air, small thermostat adjustments add up. The Department of Energy recommends starting around 75 to 78°F during the day and setting it a little higher when you're away from home, which can trim a meaningful chunk off your cooling costs over the season. Resist the urge to crank the temperature way down the moment you walk in. It won't cool your apartment any faster, and it just wastes energy. The DOE breaks down how to get the most from a , and ENERGY STAR offers a great guide to heating and cooling efficiently.

If you use a window unit, keep the filter clean, seal any gaps around the unit so cool air doesn't escape, and close off rooms you aren't using so you're not cooling space you don't need. The DOE's guide to home cooling systems covers easy maintenance that keeps things running smoothly.

4. Reduce the Heat You're Creating Indoors

A lot of summer heat is self-generated. Your oven, stovetop, dryer, and even older light bulbs all pump warmth into your space. During heat waves, try to:

• Cook with a microwave, slow cooker, or no-cook meals instead of the oven.
• Run heat-generating appliances like the dishwasher and dryer in the evening when it's cooler.
• Switch to LED bulbs, which give off far less heat than older incandescents.
• Unplug electronics you're not using, since many give off heat even on standby.

5. Cool Yourself, Not Just the Room

Sometimes the fastest path to comfort is cooling your own body rather than the whole apartment. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty. A cool shower, a damp cloth on your neck and wrists, or lightweight, breathable clothing can all help you feel comfortable while using little to no energy.

At night, swap heavy bedding for light cotton sheets, and take advantage of cooler evening air by opening windows after sunset to flush out the day's heat.

6. Staying Cool in Chicago: Know Your Local Resources

Chicago summers can be hot and humid, and the heat index can spike quickly, so it's worth knowing where to turn when temperatures climb.

• City cooling options. During hot stretches, the city operates cooling centers, and Chicago Public Library branches and Chicago Park District field houses and splash pads offer places to cool off. Call 311 for current cooling-center locations and city heat resources.
• Check on each other. Older adults, young children, and people with chronic health conditions are most at risk during extreme heat. Take a minute to check on neighbors and loved ones during a heat wave.
• In an emergency, call 911. If you or someone else shows signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, don't wait.

The CDC offers clear guidance on staying safe during extreme heat, and Ready.gov has a useful extreme heat preparedness page with steps to take before and during a heat wave.

A Quick Word for NXT Residents

We want your home to feel comfortable in every season. If you're an NXT resident and your air conditioning isn't cooling the way it should, reach out to your property manager or our team and we'll be glad to help. The sooner we know, the sooner we can look into it.

This post is general guidance to help you stay comfortable and is not legal advice. For questions about your specific unit, lease, or building, please contact your NXT property manager.



Stay Cool All Season Long

A comfortable summer at home really does come down to a handful of simple habits: block the sun, move the air, use your cooling wisely, and cut down on indoor heat. None of it requires a major investment, which makes these tips ideal whether you're settling into a new place or riding out the season in your current one.

At NXT Realty, we care about helping our residents feel at home all year round. You can learn more about us and our approach, browse more helpful guides on our blog, and if you're on the hunt for a new place to call home, take a look at our current vacancies. Here's to a cool, comfortable summer!