With a record-breaking heat dome set to blanket the Midwest and Southeast, temperatures are expected to soar above average in parts of the country. If you’re living in a rental home or searching for homes to rent, staying cool and safe is essential! With the right steps, you can keep your space cool and your pets and housemates safe without breaking the bank.

Maximize your cooling options in your rental home

If your rental home has central air, make sure it’s running efficiently by replacing your HVAC filters regularly for optimal performance. No AC? Portable fans can help too! Other ways to optimize the performance of your HVAC include:

• Ensure the exterior unit is clear of dirt and debris (leaves, branches, etc.); hose it off if you find debris
• Regularly replace your HVAC filter (the most common guidance is every 30 days)
• When you leave your rental home, turn the temperature up to reduce the burden on the HVAC unit.

If you’re currently looking for homes to rent, make sure to look for centralized air conditioning options, ceiling fans, and hassle-free maintenance at your fingertips!

Block out the heat

Sunlight streaming through windows brings great natural light, but it can quickly raise the temperature in your home. Close your window shades and window treatments during the afternoons, the hottest time of the day, or on windows that are facing the sun in the morning and afternoon, to keep the cool air in and the hot air out of your rental home.

When touring rental homes, make sure to look for window shades and double paned windows.

Adjust your daily routine on hot days

Avoid using your stove during the hottest part of the day. Instead, opt for no-cook or quick-cook meals. It is also important to stay hydrated, and limit strenuous activity in the heat of the day. If your rental home has a private outdoor area, consider creating a shaded outdoor space with an umbrella for an outdoor oasis on a cooler evening.

Keep your pets safe during extreme heat

Our furry friends feel the heat too! Here are quick tips to protect pets in your rental home during heat waves or a heat dome this summer:

• Never leave pets in a parked car – even for a few minutes. Temperatures can soar above 100° quickly.
• Keep fresh, cool water available at all times.
• Create a cool zone inside for your pet on tiled floors, with fans, or with a damp towel for your pet to lay on.
• Limit walks and outdoor exercise to mornings and late evenings when the temperatures are cooler.
• Watch for signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy, and contact a vet immediately if you see them.

If you’re looking for rental homes with great spaces for pets, consider properties with outdoor shaded areas, trees in the yard, covered patios, or access to community green spaces so pets can exercise and enjoy the outdoors too!

Searching for a Cool Place to Call Home?

Now is the perfect time to explore rental homes with features that help you beat the heat—like central air, shaded outdoor spaces, and energy-efficient designs.

Browse our listings of homes for rent today and find a place where staying cool is a breeze.

This blog is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Main Street Renewal always encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation.