Keeping Your Home Cool During the Summer: Tips and Guidelines

Alan Burton • July 17, 2024

Summer is upon us, and with it comes the challenge of keeping your home cool and comfortable. At MPIRE Properties, we want to ensure that your living space remains a refreshing oasis during these hot months. Here are some practical tips to help you stay cool, understand the limitations of your air conditioner, and know when to call our emergency line versus submitting a maintenance report.


Practical Tips to Keep Your Home Cool

  1. Close Blinds and Curtains:
  • Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase indoor temperatures. Close blinds or curtains during the day to keep the heat out.

  1. Use Fans Strategically:
  • Ceiling fans, box fans, and oscillating fans can help circulate air and create a cooling breeze. Make sure ceiling fans are set to rotate counterclockwise to push cool air downward.

  1. Keep Doors and Windows Closed:
  • Keep doors and windows closed when your air conditioner is running to prevent warm air from entering and cool air from escaping.

  1. Cook Wisely:
  • Avoid using the oven or stove during the hottest part of the day. Opt for microwave meals, grilling outdoors, or preparing no-cook dishes.

  1. Create a Cross Breeze:
  • If the temperature drops in the evening and it isn’t excessively humid, shut off the a/c and open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a cross breeze and let in cooler air.

  1. Change Air Filter
  • A clean air filter helps your system more efficiently cool your home. If you have pets, you may need to change your filter more frequently to keep your air conditioner cool effectively.


Understanding the Limitations of Your Air Conditioner

While your air conditioner works hard to keep your home cool, there are some limitations to be aware of:

  • Temperature Differences: Most air conditioners can effectively lower indoor temperatures by about 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit. If it's 100°F outside, your air conditioner likely will only be able to maintain an indoor temperature of around 80-85°F.
  • Energy Efficiency: Running your air conditioner continuously at very low temperatures can be costly and may overwork the system. Setting your thermostat to a reasonable temperature (around 75-78°F) can help balance comfort and efficiency.

When to Call Our Emergency Line vs. Submitting a Maintenance Report

It's important to know when an issue requires immediate attention and when it can be addressed through a maintenance report.

Call Our Emergency Line If:

  • Your air conditioner stops working entirely during extreme heat.
  • You smell gas or notice sparks or smoke coming from any electrical appliance.
  • There is a major water leak or flooding in your home.
  • You experience a power outage affecting essential appliances.

Submit a Maintenance Report If:

  • Your air conditioner is cooling, but not as efficiently as usual.
  • There are minor leaks or drips that are contained and not causing significant damage.
  • A faucet, toilet, or other non-emergency plumbing fixture is malfunctioning.
  • Non-urgent electrical issues, such as a single outlet not working.

For emergencies, please call our emergency line at 620-236-3557 -option 5. For non-urgent maintenance requests, submit a report through our Online Maintenance Portal.

Stay Cool and Comfortable

By following these tips and understanding the capabilities and limitations of your air conditioner, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable home throughout the summer. Remember, MPIRE Properties is here to help – whether it's providing maintenance support or offering guidance on keeping your home in top condition. Stay cool, and have a wonderful summer!


MPIRE Properties has apartments, duplexes, townhomes and single family homes available in Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, Pratt, Larned, Glasco, Abilene, Sylvan Grove and Russell, Kansas.


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By Alan Burton August 10, 2026
Looking for homes for rent in Central Kansas ? Whether you're relocating for work, looking for a quieter lifestyle, or simply ready for a fresh start, MPIRE Properties offers rental homes and apartments in some of the region's most welcoming communities. From Great Bend rentals to Pratt apartments and Russell homes for rent , there's something for every stage of life—and every budget.  Great Bend Rentals: Convenience Meets Community As the largest community we serve, Great Bend, Kansas, offers something for everyone. Residents enjoy: Excellent shopping and restaurants Healthcare services Parks and walking trails Great schools Local events throughout the year Easy access to major highways Whether you're searching for a single-family home , duplex , or apartment in Great Bend , you'll find plenty of opportunities to live close to work, schools, and entertainment. If you're looking for convenience without sacrificing community, Great Bend continues to be one of the area's most popular places to call home. Pratt Rentals: Small-Town Charm with Big Opportunities Thinking about making a move to Pratt, Kansas ? Pratt offers the perfect combination of affordability and quality of life. Residents appreciate: A charming downtown Beautiful parks and outdoor recreation Pratt Community College Local shopping and restaurants A friendly, welcoming community Easy commutes throughout south-central Kansas Whether you're starting a new job, attending school, or simply looking for a quieter pace, Pratt rental homes and apartments provide a comfortable place to settle in. We're excited to have additional Pratt apartments becoming available soon, making it a great time to begin your search. Russell Rentals: Affordable Living with a Strong Sense of Community There's a reason so many people love calling Russell, Kansas home. Russell offers: Affordable housing Excellent schools Beautiful neighborhoods Community events throughout the year Local businesses and restaurants Easy access to I-70 for commuting If you're looking for a peaceful community where neighbors still know each other, Russell is worth a closer look. MPIRE Properties currently has multiple rental opportunities available in Russell, making now an excellent time to explore what's available. Why Rent with MPIRE Properties? At MPIRE Properties, we know finding the right rental is about more than square footage—it's about finding a place that feels like home. We offer: Homes, duplexes, townhomes, and apartments Convenient online applications Professional property management Responsive maintenance Rental options throughout Central Kansas Whether you're moving across town or across the state, our team is here to help make the process as smooth as possible. Start Looking Early One of the biggest mistakes renters make is waiting too long to begin their search. Many of our homes lease quickly, especially during the summer and back-to-school season. If you know you'll be moving in the next 30 to 45 days , now is the perfect time to start browsing available properties and submitting applications. Starting early gives you more options and helps ensure a smoother move. Find Your Next Home Today Whether you're searching for: Great Bend rentals Homes for rent in Pratt, KS Apartments in Russell, KS Central Kansas rental homes Property management in Central Kansas MPIRE Properties is here to help. Browse our latest listings, check availability, and apply online anytime. Visit www.MPIREProperties.com and start your search today!
By Alan Burton July 28, 2026
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By Alan Burton May 20, 2026
If you’re searching for medical office space in Great Bend, KS , now may be the perfect time to expand your practice into one of Central Kansas’ growing healthcare markets. Whether you’re an optometrist, dentist, chiropractor, therapist, specialist, or other healthcare provider, finding the right location is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business. Patients want accessibility, professionalism, convenience, and comfort — and your office space plays a major role in creating that experience.  At MPIRE Properties, we currently have professional suites available at 3520 Lakin in Great Bend that are ideal for healthcare and medical use.
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