Rent Austin Apartments

Prime Downtown Lot Sold to Developer

2012-05-26T15:26:00.002-07:00

A prime downtown lot, the last large city-owned lot in downtown, was at last sold to a developer after a 16-hour long City Council meeting Thursday that stretched into the wee hours of Friday, The Statesman.com reports

Trammell Crow, the developer, will turn the former site of the Green Water Treatment Plant into a high-rise project with shops, eateries, offices and housing. The project is expected to cost $500 million and Trammell Crow will pay the city $24.4 million over several years to purchase the lot.

The project is expected to break ground in early 2013, will encompass two towers of at least 30 stories tall and will contain 826 apartments, a 17-story hotel, a 28-story office tower and over 80,000 square feet of retail space. The project ran into a lot of objections from activists who wanted Trammell Crow to save several large trees on the site, pay workers a "living wage" and make sure enough affordable housing was available on site.

In the end, Trammell Crow agreed to allow safety monitors at least twice a month during construction, to aim to hire at least a fifth of its workforce from local training programs and pay them at least $16 an hour, and to work with Austin's arborist to try and build around some of the big trees. In addition, they agreed to rent at least 10 percent of the rental housing at amounts affordable to those earning less than 80 percent of Austin's median family income and will keep those rents low for 40 years at its own expense. The project is expected to bring in $112 million in property taxes to the city over the next 30 years.

The Eviction Process

2012-05-19T13:01:00.001-07:00

The Eviction Process is complex, but the Austin Tenants' Council has an excellent detailed description of the process. Here is a brief overview of the process that begins if the tenant does not move out after the landlord delivers a written Notice to Vacate to the tenant.

The landlord will file an eviction suit at the local Justice of the Peace court, after which the court clerk will give the eviction citation to the constable. The constable is required to attempt to deliver the citation to the tenant twice at their home. If the constable is unable to hand deliver the citation to the tenant, they may place it under the door or attach it to the front door and mail a copy.

The Citation will include instructions and the date of when the eviction trial is to be held. If you fail to show up for the trial, the landlord gets a default judgment against the tenant. The court is required to send the tenant a written notice within two days of the entry of the judgment.

If you do go to court, both you and your landlord will be given the opportunity to present your cases. The judge will make a decision and if they side with the landlord, the tenant has five days to vacate the apartment or appeal the decision. If the judge decides in favor of the tenant, the landlord also has five days to file an appeal. When you file an appeal, you have to pay an appeal bond or file a Pauper's Affidavit if you do not have the funds for an appeal bond. The appeal process is very complicated, so if that is something you are interested in, the Austin Tenants' Council recommends you contact an attorney.

If a tenant doesn't leave the apartment or appeal, the landlord has to ask the judge for a Writ of Possession, a court order telling the constable or sheriff that the landlord is now in possession of the rental unit. The landlord can now, under the supervision of the constable or sheriff, remove the tenant, occupants and all belongings from the unit.

Eviction is something no future landlord wants to see on your rental history, so you should do your best to avoid it at all costs. But if you do have an eviction on your record, Apartment Specialists can work with you to try and find a new eviction friendly apartment where landlords are more likely to overlook an eviction.

New Watering Restrictions Possible

2012-05-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

New Watering Restrictions are being mulled over by Austin Utility Water Managers. Although Austin has seem some good rain recently, long-term drought is still being forecast by all the computer models. After last year's water usage almost hit a record low, despite it being the hottest and driest year Austin's ever seen, city officials are looking to cement lawn watering restrictions for a repeat performance, The Statesman.com reports.

The first of the big changes proposed are one that would allow users of drip irrigation systems to water as often as they'd like. Drip irrigation is the most effective way to water, because it creates much less runoff or water evaporating. Small hoses with holes are placed along or below the ground, allowing water to seep directly into the dirt. These systems cost more than sprinklers, but are much more effective at keeping trees from dying because they apply water directly to roots.

The second major change is that the utility wants to make lawn watering restrictions permanent, regardless of the water levels in the lakes supplying Austin's water. Under those, watering would never be allowed more often than twice a week. They're also proposing to set Stage 1 restrictions, where watering is allowed twice a week, to kick in when lakes Travis and Buchanan are at 1.4 million acre-feet and Stage 2 restrictions, with once a week watering, to begin at 900,000 acre-feet.

The Utility also proposes to decriminalize water violations and have any fines added to a violator's monthly water bill, instead of being sent to Municipal Court. Even with a drip system, users could still be fined if they water the pavement or create standing pools of water.

Looking for Austin Apartments for Rent so you never have to worry about watering restrictions, no matter what they are? Austin Apartment Specialists can help!

Renting Basics

2012-05-05T14:10:00.003-07:00

Renting Basics are a must to know before you go to look for an apartment. Whether you are renting for the first time, getting back into the rental market after an absence, or moving to a new area, brushing up on how to rent an apartment from the Texas Apartment Association is important before you get out there and start visiting properties.

The first step is to set a budget. Make sure that you factor in costs like utilities and rental insurance that aren't included in your rent and make sure your rent isn't more than a third of your gross income. Next, request a free credit report and clear up any mistakes or problems before you start filling out applications.

If you are a minor, a student, or don't make enough to qualify to pay the rent, you may be asked to get a co-signer, who is usually a parent, relative or employer who will be responsible for the rent if you cannot pay it. This person is usually not someone who lives with you.

Make a list of what your priorities are for your new home and use it to narrow down your choices. As you visit apartments, look over the property and analyze how well it is maintained. Also, talk to existing residents and ask if they have been happy with the property, how maintenance requests or problems are handled, and if they would recommend living there to others.

Finally, visit the properties you are considering at night to see if they are well lit and compare their security measures to other properties in the neighborhood. You also should ask the management how emergencies are handled and how residents are told about any crime or safety problems.

Renting an Apartment with Bad Credit

2012-04-28T18:33:00.002-07:00

Renting an Apartment with Bad Credit can be tricky, but About.com offers certain guidelines you can follow to try and increase your chances of being able to rent an apartment no matter what your credit rating.

Typically, large apartment complexes always run a credit check, but smaller, independent landlords may not. So look for houses, apartments or townhomes that are individually owned. You can also figure out whether the owner is likely to do a credit check by talking to them. Ask, "what criteria do you use to approve tenants for rental?" If they don't mention a credit check, you should be safe, but if they do, there is more you can do to improve your chances of being approved.

You can get letters of recommendation testifying to your financial responsibility from people you have had a good financial relationship with, such as landlords, your bank or current or previous employers. If you have past due balances, particularly to past landlords or utility companies, you are most likely to get denied. The best way to fix this is to pay those balances and get the person you paid to write a letter stating you have paid in full. Do be careful when you use either of these letters, as you don't want to raise an unneccessary red flag with a landlord who wasn't already aware of your credit history.

If you are worried about being able to get an apartment on your own, you can have a co-signer on your lease. This would be someone such as your parent or a trusted relative with good credit. The downside of this is that if you do not pay your rent or are evicted, the landlord has legal rights to go after your co-signer for the money you owe. Finally, you may have to pay more for your apartment, whether it be a larger security deposit or paying several months of rent in advance, if your credit is poor.

Looking for a new apartment and concerned about a less than stellar credit report? Apartment Specialists can help you find apartments for bad credit that will work with your situation. We have relationships with the apartment complexes and we know who will listen to your side and who just looks at a piece of paper.

Spring Changes for Your Decor

2012-04-21T12:01:00.002-07:00

Changing your decor for Spring is a great way to make your home feel as fresh as the beautiful weather outside. About.com has some helpful suggestions for how to transform your space for the new season.

One of the quickest ways to make your space feel fundamentally different is to rearrange your furniture. Make sure to allow enough room around the furniture for people to flow naturally in and out of your room and to keep it light and airy. A great way to usher Spring into your home is to literally bring pieces of nature into your space. Put cuttings of your favorite flowers in your vases, add shells or rocks to glass containers, or use driftwood or branches as decorations.

Now is also a great time to make sure your outdoor space, if you have one, is inviting and somewhere you want to spend time. If you're lucky enough to have a balcony, fill it with throw blankets, pillows, rugs, even mirrors to add dimension. Next go back inside and decorate with color. If your landlord won't allow you to paint your apartment, brighten up your room by switching out accessories for ones in a brighter hue, or even use slipcovers to transform your tired old furniture.

Another trick for giving your space a quick makeover? Swap out your heavy drapes for something made of lighter material or in a brighter color. Finally, use the urge to "Spring Clean" to organize all the stuff that's weighing you down so you can enter this wonderful time of year as light as the Spring breezes!

Travis County Property Values

2012-04-14T12:25:00.001-07:00

Travis County Property values rose for commercial real estate, but most home values remained flat, according to the Travis County Appraisal District's Chief Appraiser. The overall market value of all of the properties on the appraisal role increased 7 percent from 2011 values, but 5.5 percent of that rise was in commercial and industrial properties, Statesman.com reports.

The average market value for Travis County houses increased less than a percent, from $271,438 in 2011 to $271,991 this year. 71 percent of homeowners' market value for their homes will stay the same or decrease and just 29 percent will see an increase. Value depends largely on where a home is located, true to the "location, location, location" mantra of real estate. Areas west of 35 showed stronger growth, while homes east of 35 and in the suburbs saw decreases in their market value.

On the other hand, values for apartments and offices increased 15 percent, making Austin one of the best markets in the nation for apartments. Accordingly, average Austin apartment rents saw an increase in 2011, but office rents have just begun to climb. Homeowners can file protests through May 31st, and many can even file them online this year. Notices should go out next week.

Moving with Kids

2012-04-07T15:13:00.001-07:00

Moving with Kids can be extra stressful for everyone involved. Children don't always understand why they are moving and probably don't have much or any say in what's happening. About.com has tips to help you make this upheaval smooth for your little ones.

Make it clear to your children that they can ask you questions and answer their questions clearly and honestly with lots of specifics. This will help your child feel more comfortable with this big change. Make, or encourage your child to make, a plan for their room and tell them as much as you can about their new apartment or house. Tell them they can use the plan, as well as paper representations of their furniture and belongings, so they can play with where they want to put things in their new room.

Help your child make an address book with addresses of all their friends and important people in their lives so when they get to their new city they can still contact them by email or mail. Also, help your child say goodbye to their friends by hosting an event or events where they can see their friends one last time. Involve your child in the process so the event reflects what they are most comfortable with.

Follow these tips and you'll be sure to make the transition much less traumatic for your family.

Austin as Culinary Capitol: How'd We Get Here?

2012-03-31T12:41:00.002-07:00

Austin's Food Scene is rocketing to the top of best of lists, Statesman.com reports. We have a Top Chef Winner, a James Beard winner, a Food and Wine Festival, two high-end grocery store headquarters and more. How did Austin go from being the Live Music Capitol to the Tasty Food Capitol? Everyone has their own theory on how Austin evolved from Tex Mex and Barbecue to tops for innovative food choices.

Top Colicchio from "Top Chef" puts the responsibility at the feet of UT. Tim Zagat of Zagat Surveys says SXSW brings a lot of new people to the area who could be responsible for the culinary revolution. It could also be due to the fact that we Austinites love to eat. A 2009 study by Bundle.com found that Austinites spend more on food than any other city in the country, so it would naturally follow that our town would be a great place to open a restaurant.

Another reason for our food revolution is that Austin's relatively low cost of living and real estate is attractive to many star chefs who come from expensive cities on the coasts to live here, open a restaurant and raise their family at the same time. Many of these transplant chefs also praise the sense of community among cooks in town. Rather than be competitive, chefs here support one another when one of them garners a big national prize or television spot. It's just further evidence of the laid-back, friendly environment Austin is famous for.

Looking for an Austin Apartment of your own, close to the hottest new restaurants? Or maybe you want a dream kitchen in which to concoct your own culinary creations. No matter what you're looking for in your next home, contact Apartment Specialists today for help!

Carpet Stains: How to Remove Them

2012-03-25T11:08:00.002-07:00

Carpet Stain Removal can be key to getting back your deposit when you leave your apartment. Just because your clumsy friend knocks over a glass of wine or Fido doesn't make it to the door in time, doesn't mean you have to forfeit your hard-earned dough when your lease is up. This Old House.com has step-by-step instructions on removing every type of unsightly spot from your carpet.

First off, no matter what has caused your stain, you want to remove it by blotting the stain working from the outside in, rinse with water, than blot again. You never want to rub your stain, which could destroy the carpet fibers or push the stain down to the carpet pad. If you do decide to use a commercial stain remover, make sure to test the product first in an inconspicuous part of your floor to make sure it doesn't cause discoloration. Also, to keep your carpet looking its best if you're going to live there for the long-haul, clean it or have it cleaned every 12-18 months.

For water-soluble stains, such as alcoholic beverages, berries, colas, etc, make a cleaning solution of 1/4 teaspoon of non-bleach detergent or white vinegar mixed with 32 ounces of water. For fat, oil, and wax, put a paper towel on your carpet over the stain and iron on the warm setting. The stain should adhere to the paper towel. For glue, get a soft cloth or cotton ball damp with rubbing alcohol and press it on the stain. Once the glue is moistened, gently wipe it off and repeat until the stain is gone. There are many more types of stains, so visit This Old House for details on erasing any accident that comes your way!

HUD Program helps Public Servants Buy Homes

2012-03-17T12:57:00.002-07:00

HUD's new Program, the Good Neighbor Next Door program, is helping local Austin educators and public servants buy the house of their dreams. The Department of Housing and Urban Development's program takes houses that were foreclosed upon after they were bought with FHA loans, and then offers special grants to police officers, firefighters, EMTs and teachers to buy the houses for half their value. In return, the recipient has to commit to living in the house for at least three years.

The goal of the program is for these professionals to take a leadership role in the community around them, specifically ones that have been labeled as "undesirable". There are only four or five homes available per year in the Austin area, so the recipients are determined from a lottery of eligible applicants, KVUE.com reports. For many of these people who work so hard for the public good, this program is their only chance at buying a home.

Looking for a home of your own? Apartment Specialists can help you find the perfect apartment to call your own!

photo by Wonderlane

Renting with Pets: Tips on Getting Your Paw in the Door

2012-03-10T13:28:00.001-08:00

Renting with pets can be difficult. Often landlords have a "no pets" policy just because it's easier than having to establish pet-friendly policies. But due to the economic downturn, many landlords are changing their tune. Not only can landlords get more renters if they allow pets, they can even charge more in monthly rent as well as an additional security deposit for four-legged friends. MSN.com shares tips to make sure you can make the move with Fido by your side.

It should be obvious, but make sure you are a good pet owner and can manage your pets' behavior. If you've gotten off on the wrong foot, contact your local humane society for low-cost classes, or even look online or check out a book on dog training from your local library. When you apply for an apartment, share with the landlord what you've done to make sure your pet is well-behaved and cared for. If you encounter a property you really love that doesn't allow pets, arrange for the landlord to meet your well-groomed and trained animal. Landlords have pets too, and may even see tenants who responsibly care for their pets as more likely to be responsible tenants.

Finally, when you move into your new home, make sure to be a model pet-owner and tenant. That way you can pave the way for future pet owners and truly turn the tide to landlords accepting pets. Many complexes already have dog parks and other amenities that will make you and your furry friend's life more comfortable and an Austin Apartment Locator can help you find them.

Plastic Bag Ban Passed by City Council

2012-03-04T08:58:00.003-08:00

Plastic Bags and Paper Bags were both banned by Austin City Council in the wee hours of Friday morning, the Austinist reports. The actual ban will take effect next March, which gives you a year to get into the habit of bringing your own bags to the store. The City will spend $2 million dollars to educate the public on the the ban and to remind them to B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bag) to the store.

Opponents of the ban brought up plastic bags' usefulness in being used for other purposes, such as picking up after dogs and lining trash cans, but city leaders said that the bags often end up as litter or as landfill trash. In addition, activists successfully persuaded the Council to ban paper bags, as they take a lot of energy to manufacture and transport.

The Council wound up passing one of the broadest bag laws in the United States, joining over 24 other U.S. cities in banning plastic bags, but going a step further by banning paper as well. Most cities with bag laws impose a fee on disposable paper bags. Austin is also a trailblazer in this arena in Texas, being the first city to enact a bag ban.

If you are an Austin Apartment dweller concerned about not being able to pick up after Fido when he takes his daily constitutional, fear not. Newspapers, bulk foods, and carry-out from restaurants are exempt from the ban. So just resolve to get your food from your local takeaway and you'll be fine. Or you can drop a few coins on the specialty disposable bags available at pet stores for just the purpose of cleaning up your doggy's waste. As for bringing your own reusable bags, I take mine back out to the car as soon as I'm done unloading the groceries, where they stay until they are needed for the next shopping trip. Once you get into the habit, it's really easy, and you discover that groceries are much easier to transport when you carry them on your shoulder, rather than by those thin plastic handles that cut into your hands. Happy B.Y.O.Bing!

Tip for Winter

2011-11-08T07:23:00.000-08:00

While browsing some winterizing your apartment tips online, we ran across this great one from the Des Moines Register webarticle.

Stop using your venting fans! You want to keep the moisture from your shower in the house! The moisture is great for the air that gets dried out by the heater. When you are cooking, don't turn on the vent fan that pulls that oven heat out of the kitchen, keep that warmth in!

Having Roomates

2011-11-01T11:41:00.000-07:00

When deciding to have roommates in your first apartment or your tenth, having a clear set of rules will make the experience much better! Using accomidationforstudents.com, here is a list of important considerations.

-Be sure everyone is very clear of the terms of the lease and how each will fulfill their responsibility. Know who pays what, when it is due, and how long it will be paid.

-Set up to each pay individual portions of the rent to the landlord on a certain date and a certain place.

-Decide how meals will work. Who will grocery shop, will there be an individual effort or group effort?

-Overestimate for bills so no one is surprised when they are due.

-Plan how living arrangements will go with joint spaces. Can parties be held? When? Who is invited?

-Work with each other in deciding who will clean what and when.

Tenant / Landlord Rights

2011-10-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

The legal relationship between a tenant and a landlord of the apartment is governed by a few different factors. First, several statutes in the Texas Property Code, particularly Chapter 92. Second, the oral or written lease. The terms of the lease are considered legal documentation for the acting relationship of the landlord and tenant. Read the lease carefully before you sign it, you will be held accountable for the content. If there is something you do not agree with, propose a change to the landlord. Once the lease is written out and signed by both parties, it becomes a legally binding document. Changes can be initialed by both parties, putting the change into effect.

Information gathered from the Texas Attorney General website.

Apartment Amenities

2011-10-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

When searching for an apartment, finding the right amenities can be just as important as location and price. Start by listing what features you want in your apartment, and ones you simply can not live without. This will help your search and narrow down possible apartment homes. Below is a list of different features apartments commonly offer. Bring your checklist to us and we can search for the apartment that fits your needs!

Apartment Amenities-

- Hardwood Flooring
- Fireplace
- Balcony
- Garden Tub
- Walk In Closet
- Linen Closet
- Outside Storage
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Vaulted Celing
- Washer/Dryer
- Yard

Complex Amenities-

- Access Gates
- Free Cable/Internet
- Pool
- Jacuzzi
- Laundry Room
- Fitness Center
- Business Center
- Clubroom
- Sports Courts
- Pets Allowed
- Parking Options

Dog Breeds That Are Good In Apartments

2011-09-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

The question "do you accept pets" always comes up when apartment hunting. But what breeds of dogs are a good match for apartment life? We found a list on dogbreedinfo.com that answered that question! Click here for the complete list.

Renting With No Social Security Number

2011-09-22T18:35:00.001-07:00

Unlike employers, landlords are not restricted from renting to undocumented residents of the United States or those without social security numbers. In fact there are many people in Texas that fall under this category. In general there are two types of residents without social security numbers: documented and undocumented.

Examples of documented residents that may not have a social security number include those with green cards, work visas, work permits, or I90 student visas. For these types of renters there is a supplemental non-resident application that you will need to fill out. With this type of application, apartments will also require legal documents verifying your status within the United States. These residents often do not have verifiable income from an employer within the United States. If that is the case it is important that you are able to show money in a US bank account, whether the money is wired in from your country of origin or from a student loan.

Undocumented residents are those that have no social security number and no documentation of their status within the United States. Since criminal and rental history checks are much more complicated for these types of residents, very few apartments will rent to them. Those that will usually require an additional deposit that can be as much as 1 month’s rent. All will require some form of ID, like a Matricula (if your country of origin is Mexico), or a driver’s license or resident card from another country. They will also require you to verify your income.

If you have questions about renting without a social security number, give us a call, we can help you navigate your options quickly and help you find the best possible Austin apartment!

Food Storage

2011-09-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

With all of the recent natural disasters, keeping food storage is a great idea for everyone. Even if you live in a small apartment, keeping some necessities on hand in case of an emergency is important! This list is an example of what to have in an emergency kit, but you should personalize it to you own needs.

-Water and/or water purification system
-Medications
-Cash
-Change of Clothing
-Contacts Information
-Flashlight
-Hygiene Products
-Non perishable food items
-Insurance Policy
-Copies of birth certificate and/or social security card

*This list compiled with the help of the Food Storage Made Easy website.

Lease Terms

2011-09-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

When leasing an apartment, it is important to know several items covered in your lease. The Texas Apartment Association defines some of those points of interest.

- When rent is due and what late charges will be placed.
- Requirement of advanced notice when you plan to leave the rental property.
- Responsibilities at the end of the lease term.
- Room mate policy.
- Restrictions affecting security deposit.
- Owners obligation for repairs.
- How to request repairs.

These are among the most important terms to know when you are signing a lease.

Getting Your Deposit Back

2011-08-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

The Texas Attorney General describes how to get your apartment deposit back.

Recovering Your Deposit. Most landlords require you to pay a security deposit to cover any repairs needed when you move out or to cover your failure to pay the last month's rent. By law, landlords cannot refuse to return the deposit without a valid reason.
Deductions for damages. Under Texas law, you must give the landlord a forwarding address and the landlord must return the deposit — less any amount deducted for damages — within 30 days. If the landlord withholds part or all of your deposit, he or she must give you an itemized list of deductions with a description of the damages.
Normal wear and tear. The landlord may not charge you for normal wear and tear on the premises and may only charge for actual abnormal damage. For example, if the carpet simply becomes more worn because you and your guests walked on it for a year, the landlord may not charge you for a new carpet. If your water bed leaks and the carpet becomes mildewed as a result, you may be charged.

Renting With No Verifiable Income

2011-08-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

The large majority of Austin apartments and rentals will require you to prove that you can afford to pay the amount of rent they are charging before they will lease to you. In apartment speak, this is called ‘verifiable income’. In short, verifiable income would be a steady paycheck that you can show a pay stub or have an employer verify that you receive.

There are several sets of people that may not have what is considered verifiable income, yet they would still be able to afford rent. For example you may get paid in cash or live off a bank account, or the support of another person. If you fall under one of these categories, there are some things that you can do to verify your ability to afford rent besides show a pay stub:

1) Have a Cosigner. In Texas, cosigners don’t have to sign the lease, or even be in the city you are renting in. Their purpose is to financially back-up the renter in the case that they are unable to pay rent. The cosigner application is a separate lease. If the renter does not default on their rent, then they will not be affected at all. A cosigner will typically have more stringent income requirements of as much as 5 times rent and exceptionally strong credit.

2) Supply Bank Statements. Typically they will require 3 times rent TIMES the lease term. For example, on an $800/mo rent and a 1 year lease term, you will need $800 * 3 * 12 mo = $28,800 in the bank.

3) Supply Tax Returns. If you are self-employed, but do have steady income, you may be required to supply the previous year’s tax return or even multiple years worth of tax returns to verify your income level.

3) Supply a Letter of Hire. If you are new to a job, or paid in cash, then an apartment might allow you to bring in a letter from your manager, signed on verifiable company letterhead stating your start date and your expected wages.

Renting without verifiable income can complicate your application process and not all Austin apartments will accept alternate forms of verification. An apartment locator can help you determine your best options for qualifying at the apartments you want.

Keeping Cool in this Heat!

2011-08-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

Below is an article from the Care 2 website about keeping your home or apartment cool while keeping energy costs down this summer!

Adapted from Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, by Alex Wilson, Jennifer Thorne, and John Morrill.

Puzzling out how to keep your house as cool as possible during these hot summer months? Trying to remember the conventional wisdom but not quite sure how it goes? Those window fans, for example, should they be placed to draw air in or out? Upwind or downwind of the dwelling? And what about windows, shades, and awnings? Are windows on the North side of the house better left closed or open during the day? Are awnings better than shades?
Find out the answers to these questions and more, right here:
The recent heat spell on the East Coast dredged these questions up for me, and I am sure these questions are seasonal for many of us. Efficient cooling saves money, energy, and the quality of our lives.
Turning to Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings by Alex Wilson, Jennifer Thorne, and John Morrill of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has provided a wealth of answers to just these questions and more. I’ve compiled 23 tricks about how to keep a house cool to reduce the need for air conditioning from this book, as well as a few from The Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook. These tips are really useful.
1. Reduce the cooling load by employing cost-effective conservation measures. Provide effective shade for east and west windows. When possible, delay heat-generating activities such as dishwashing until evening on hot days.
2. Over most of the cooling season, keep the house closed tight during the day. Don’t let in unwanted heat and humidity. Ventilate at night either naturally or with fans.
3. You can help get rid of unwanted heat through ventilation if the temperature of the incoming air is 77 F or lower. (This strategy works most effectively at night and on cooler days.) Window fans for ventilation are a good option if used properly. They should be located on the downwind side of the house facing out. A window should be open in each room. Interior doors must remain open to allow air flow.
4. Use ceiling fans to increase comfort levels at higher thermostat settings. The standard human comfort range for light clothing in the summer is between 72 F and 78 F. To extend the comfort range to 82 F, you need a breeze of about 2.5 ft/sec or 1.7 mph. A sow-turning ceiling-mounted paddle fan can easily provide this air flow.
5. In hot climates, plant shade trees around the house. Don’t plant trees on the South if you want to benefit from passive solar heating in the winter.
6. If you have an older central air conditioner, consider replacing the outdoor compressor with a modern, high-efficiency unit. Make sure that it is properly matched to the indoor unit.
7. If buying a new air conditioner, be sure that it is properly sized. Get assistance from an energy auditor or air conditioning contractor.
8. Buy a high-efficiency air conditioner: for room air conditioners, the energy efficiency ratio (EER) rating should be above 10; for central air conditioners, look for a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating above 12.
9. In hot, humid climates, make sure that the air conditioner you buy will adequately get rid of high humidity. Models with variable or multi-speed blowers are generally best. Try to keep moisture sources out of the house.
10. Try not to use a dehumidifier at the same time your air conditioner is operating. The dehumidifier will increase the cooling load and force the air conditioner to work harder.
11. Seal all air conditioner ducts, and insulate ducts that run through unheated basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
12. Keep the thermostat set at 78 degrees F or higher if using ceiling fans. Don’t air-condition unused rooms.
13. Maintain your air conditioners properly to maximize efficiency.
Additional tips from the Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook, edited by Doug Pratt and the Real Goods staff.
Warm Weather Window Solutions
14. Install white window shades or mini-blinds. Mini-blinds can reduce solar heat gain by 40-50 percent.
15. Close south and west-facing curtains during the day for any window that gets direct sunlight. Keep these windows closed, too.
16. Install awnings on south-facing windows, where there’s insufficient roof overhang to provide shade.
17. Hang tightly woven screens or bamboo shades outside the window during the summer to stop 60 to 80 percent of the sun’s heat from getting to the windows.
18. Apply low-e films.
19. Consider exotic infills in your windows, a new technology that fills the space between panes with krypton or argon, gasses that have lower conductivity than air, and which boost R-values.
Tips for your A/C
19. Provide shade for your room A/C, or the outside half of your central A/C if at all possible. This will increase the unit’s efficiency by 5 percent to 10 percent.
20. Clean your A/C’s air filter every month during cooling season. Normal dust build-up can reduce air flow by 1 percent per week.
22. Turn off your A/C when you leave for more than an hour.
23. Several studies have found that most central air conditioning systems are oversized by 50 percent or more.

Lofts at the Triangle

2011-08-01T16:02:00.000-07:00

Lofts at the Triangle