Fall Festivals and More in San Diego

Fall in San Diego is a great time to get out, enjoy the weather, and discover culture, cuisine, and more at one of the area’s many fall festivals and parades. As the hot summer swimming season comes to a close, San Diego and its neighboring cities come alive with a variety of fall events and activities. Keep reading to find out what’s going on near your San Diego apartment this fall!

Gaslamp Quarter Fall Back Festival

On November 9, 2014, the San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter holds its annual Fall Back Festival, a street faire that offers a taste of 19th century fun for the whole family. Activities include pie-eating contests, historical recreations and demonstrations of crafts and trades common in 19th century San Diego, and carnival rides. The Fall Back Festival also features a wide variety of cultural offerings celebrating the diversity of the San Diego area, including Native American dance performances, sand painting, and storytelling, Chinese calligraphy, and drumming jam sessions. Attendance is free, but there may be a small fee for some activities or craft sessions.

San Diego Beer Week

If you love beer, you’re in luck—November 7-16 is San Diego Beer Week 2014. This year’s Beer Week is the sixth such event to be held, building off the success of previous festivals to bring you ten days of events, beer tastings, and more to celebrate the “brew culture” of San Diego. Beer Week is designed to promote the city’s more than 90 local and craft breweries, which are known worldwide for their award-winning brews. The festivities begin with the two-day Guild Fest at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, where you can taste samples from more than 50 of San Diego County’s independent breweries. Additional Beer Week events include multiple “meet the brewer” opportunities, special beer nights at your favorite local restaurants, and Beer Week’s amazing closing event, the Beer Garden on the Arroyo Terrace of the Lodge at Torrey Pines.

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

For those who enjoy trying new dishes—and the wines that pair with them—the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival returns this year from November 16-23. The 12th year of this amazing event features presentations by celebrity chefs, critics, and other culinary personalities as you sample tasty treats and beverages from nearly 300 breweries, wineries, and local restaurants. Attending chefs and personalities include Nate Appleman, Gale Gand, Elaine Ardizzone, Alex Carballo, Jon Sloan, The Hearty Boys, and Maria Desiderata Montana. Events include silent and live auctions, the annual Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition, blind tasting panels, and the festival’s famous “Party After Dark” event, featuring celebrity mixologist Jeff Josenhans.

BLVD63 has just a few spots left in our amazing So-Cal luxury apartment community. Located near SDSU and offering easy access to some of San Diego’s hottest dining and entertainment establishments, you’ll find the perfect mix of luxury and convenience when you choose to rent a one-, two-, three-, or four-bedroom apartment with us. Visit us online for more details about our floor plans, availability, and latest move-in specials!

Embrace Fall with a Fresh Apartment!

 As summer fades into fall, you can enjoy cool, crisp breezes and the sight of leaves changing just outside your Hopkinton apartment. Fall is a time of change, making it a great time to consider changing up the look and feel of your apartment as well. There are many ways you can refresh your apartment on any budget, ranging from no-cost changes to scheduling a full-blown shopping spree. Keep reading to learn how you can embrace the fall spirit of change with a newly-refreshed apartment this year.

Replace Your Linens

One of the simplest, lowest-cost ways you can refresh the look and feel of any room is to replace old, worn linens. Are your bathroom towels looking worn? Have your bed sheets been through the wash one too many times? Do your curtains look a little dingy? Swapping out one or more fabric components in your apartment can give your home an instant facelift and offers you the opportunity to try new colors and designs in your space. Rather than choosing exactly the same linens in the same shades and patterns, consider trying something new that works within your current color palette for a fresh, new look. If your current linens are still in great shape, launder and store them to pull out again in the spring for the same effect at no extra cost.

Change Your Layout

You can change the look and feel of your apartment for free by changing up the layout of one or more rooms. Would that desk look great in a different spot? Could your couch work in the center of your room, rather than pushed against the wall? Try out new, creative furniture layouts utilizing the items you already have to create a cozy, functional space with a completely new look. You can start small by swapping out a single piece of furniture, or go for broke and consider changing the layout of your entire apartment. Before you start moving furniture, consider drawing a layout on a piece of paper or using free online software to get an idea of how your room might look. You can try out numerous layouts on paper to find the one you like best, then simply move your furniture into its ideal new location once you’ve found the perfect new layout for your space.

Bring In Plants

Although fall is a time when the green look of summer is changing, there are still plenty of options for adding a fresh, organic look to your apartment home. Fall centerpieces highlight the bright, refreshing colors of the season using colored leaves, fruits, pumpkins, gourds, and vibrant flowers. Some of the most popular flowers for fall centerpieces include chrysanthemums, dahlias, roses, calla lilies, and tulips. Mix in wheat stalks, corn husks, pussy willow branches, or cattails for visual texture and additional height. You can use fresh-cut flowers for a fragrant display, or consider faux flowers and plants that you can use again and again. Keep in mind that organic displays aren’t limited to the kitchen table—adding greenery in areas such as the bathroom and bedroom can also help to give these spaces a refreshing fall look.

This fall, you can enjoy a beautiful and refreshed apartment in the heart of Hopkinton, MA, when you choose to lease with Alta Legacy Farms. Our pet-friendly apartment community is located within walking distance of some of Massachusetts’ most beautiful state parks and recreation areas, while also offering convenient access into Boston. Please visit our website for additional information about our amenities, location, and availability.

Tips for a Cleaner Apartment

Cleaning your apartment is likely not very high on your list of favorite things to do. However, regular cleaning is necessary to keep your living space looking its best. If you’re looking to minimize the time you spend cleaning and maximize the appeal of your home, check out the tips below to keep your apartment cleaner and reduce the need to dust, vacuum, and rinse.

Keep Dust and Dirt Outside

One of the most basic—and most effective—ways you can reduce the time you spend cleaning your apartment is to keep more dirt and dust outside. Place a high-quality doormat outside all entrances to catch dirt and dust from shoes as you enter. Maintaining a “no shoes” policy inside can further reduce the amount of dirt, dust, mud, and debris tracked inside by keeping it contained to your entryway. Providing ready shoe storage—such as a basket, shoe rack, or low bench—near your entryway will make enforcing this rule much easier.

Spray and Squeegee the Shower

Showers can often develop layers of soap scum, hard water deposits, and more during daily use. If you’re looking to keep the place where you clean off cleaner, purchase a bottle of eco-friendly shower spray and a small flexible rubber squeegee. Keep these tools on hand near your shower or tub and after every use, spray down the walls and squeegee any tiles or doors. Although this will take a few extra moments every time you bathe, cleaning your shower daily will save more time and elbow grease in the long run by avoiding the need to scrub buildup from your tiles every week.

Wash Your Rags Properly

When you do need to clean, starting with a clean rag can make a big difference. Wash your cleaning rags at least once a month, or more often if they look like they need it. Microfiber rags have become extremely popular for cleaning with their soft, no-scratch texture and ability to pick up dust in a single swipe. When you wash microfiber rags, however, make sure you don’t use fabric softener or dryer sheets. These chemicals can affect the rags’ ability to pick up dust and make cleaning much harder than necessary.

Groom Your Pet

If you own a pet, you likely know how pet hair seems to accumulate everywhere. While you can’t stop your pet from shedding, keeping him well groomed will help to reduce the amount of fur and dander in your apartment. Use a brush designed to groom pets, as these tools will better gather and remove loose fur than a brush designed for human hair. If possible, brush your pet outside to keep all the excess fur out of your apartment in the first place. If your pet has long hair and can benefit from seasonal trims, maintain these appointments for his comfort and yours.

With these simple tips, you’ll spend less time cleaning your Broomfield apartment and more time enjoying a sparkling clean space. Visit our website to learn more about the Alta Harvest Station luxury apartment community, located just off of the Boulder Turnpike with convenient access to Broomfield, Boulder, Denver, and more. We also invite you to click through our gallery, our list of amazing amenities, and check out the details about our local neighborhood online.

Mountain View-Area Museums to Check Out

Mountain View is known for its beautiful weather, stunning views, and pedestrian-friendly layout. The city is also home to a number of unique museums and landmarks open to the public. From your Mountain View apartment at Carmel The Village, you can easily explore some of the area’s long- and short-term history when you visit these Mountain View-area museums:

Computer History Museum

The Computer History Museum contains the single largest collection of computer technology artifacts in the world. Established in 1996, the Computer History Museum’s mission is to preserve artifacts related to the information age, while presenting the history surrounding the development of the computer from its first beginnings to modern day. As you explore the museum’s 20 exhibit galleries, you’ll learn how computing technology has evolved, beginning with the earliest abacus and ending with the most advanced modern-day technology. The museum also presents information on how society has been affected by the development of computer technology and, more recently, the internet as well. Among its impressive 90,000-piece collection are Cray-1, Cray-2, and Cray-3 supercomputers, an Apple I, and the Utah teapot. The Computer History Museum also features a Babbage Difference Engine and a recent exhibit on the development of Google Street View. In addition to its numerous exhibits and visible storage section, the Computer History Museum also sponsors Speaker Series events, educational programs, and volunteer groups.

Moffett Field & Historical Society Museum

Moffett Federal Airfield is a joint military-civilian airport that sits between Sunnyvale and Mountain View. Although the airport is considered to be in active use, it is also home to a number of historical sites and an on-site museum. Moffett’s Hangars One, Two, and Three are some of the world’s largest freestanding structures, with construction dating from the 1930s and 1940s. The Moffett Field Historical Society Museum displays a number of artifacts that “tell the stories of the various military and NASA Commands assigned to, or operating out of Moffett Field.” Exhibits highlight the USS Macon airship, the role of blimps during WWII, the NASA experimental testing programs that occurred at Moffett Field, and various aircraft and cockpits. Additionally, the museum maintains a number of programs that include the refurbishment and restoration of modern aircraft and cockpits such as the NASA TF-104G Starfighter, the NASA U-2C, and the P2V Neptune.

The Jehning Family Lock Museum

Located at 175 Castro Street, the Jehning Family Lock Museum highlights the use and development of keys, locks, and security mechanisms throughout history. Admission to the museum is free, making it a great place to stop by for even a short period of time. The museum is housed in the historic Ames Building, believed to be the second-oldest building on Castro Street. Since 1996, the Jehning Family Lock Museum has featured a growing collection of keys and locks that now contains nearly 5,000 keys and 1,000 locks from across the globe, as well as over 20 safes. Because the museum continually rotates and redesigns its exhibits, visitors can expect to see new artifacts and learn new information about the role of locks, keys, and safes throughout history during every visit.

With its central Mountain View location within easy walking distance to a wide range of entertainment, history, and more, you’ll love coming home to Carmel The Village. Our luxury apartments feature ample square footage, large balconies and terraces, stainless steel appliances, and GreenPoint Rated construction. Visit us online to find out more about leasing a studio, one-, or two-bedroom apartment with us today!

Creating a Dazzling Entryway

A beautiful, organized entryway is a wonderful way to wow visitors as they enter your Wahiawa apartment. In fact, your entryway sets the stage for the rest of your living space, creating a transition from the outside world into your personalized home. Including both artistic and functional elements in your apartment entryway will ensure you and your guests feel comfortable and energized the moment you step in the door.

Use a Runner

A carpet runner is a long, narrow rug that makes an excellent addition to an entryway for many reasons. Using a runner in this area draws the eye toward the interior of your apartment, inviting those at the door to take a step inside. Runners also add color and texture to this space, connecting it with the décor further inside your apartment. Choosing a runner that draws from the color or pattern palette of the nearest room is a good way to create a cohesive look in this area of your home. Furthermore, runners can reduce the amount of mud, dirt, and water tracked into your apartment to keep the interior cleaner. If you use your runner as a doormat, make sure to choose a material that can be vacuumed and washed easily so you can keep it clean.

Create an Engaging Display

A visible display of art or decorative items as you step in the door immediately draws visitors into the personalized style of your apartment. If your entryway is opposite a wall, consider using a mirror as the central element in any display to help open this space up and reflect light and the view from the front door. Other options include creating a gallery wall or using shelving to hold plants, knickknacks, or other items you want on display as you walk in the door. Alternatively, a single large piece of art—even a tapestry or scroll—can add color and texture to the space near your door without making it feel cluttered. If you don’t have a wall nearby, a small table or set of shelves set just inside the doorway can provide the surface you need to create a visual vignette to welcome you home.

Add Organization

Organizational solutions help to keep your entryway clear of clutter, which will make this area both safer and more inviting. However, don’t be afraid to get creative when adding organization; keep in mind that your organizational tools can add style and personality to this space as well. A set of colorful hanging cubbies or a vintage coat rack acts as both a functional and decorative addition to keep coats, hats, leashes, scarves, and more organized and off the floor. Baskets, jars, bowls, and other containers can keep keys, watches, and other small items in one easy-to-find location. If you have the space, adding a bench or shoe rack can also improve organization in your entryway to keep shoes contained and at the ready. Larger entryways can even accommodate a chair or table, which will not only make this space inviting and cozy, but offer a horizontal surface for loose items and a place to sit while you put on or take off your shoes as well.

A dazzling entryway is just the first step in personalizing your Palms of Kilani apartment home. Our two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartment floor plans feature plenty of space, storage, and style. Check us out on the web for a full list of our apartment features and community amenities, as well as a listing of the closest local hotspots near Ewa Beach and Kapolei.

Smart Cleaning Solutions

Cleaning your apartment is a chore, but it’s also necessary to keep the space clean, organized, and bright. Knowing which chores are the most important and which cleaning techniques have the biggest impact will minimize cleaning time while keeping your apartment looking its best.

Chores You Should Never Skip

The best way to maintain a clean apartment is to know which chores you should never skip. Taking care of these essential tasks will ensure your space always looks amazing, even if you don’t have time to get to some of the lower tasks on your list. Start by wiping down your kitchen and bathroom countertops once a day—this will keep them dust- and stain-free, helping to make the entire room look cleaner and brighter. Vacuum or sweep public areas, such as your entryway, living room, kitchen, and bathroom, regularly. Taking the time to clean the floors in these busy spaces will cut down on overall dust and dirt in your apartment. Make sure you do the dishes regularly as well—whether you wash your dishes by hand or use your apartment’s dishwasher to do the task, eliminating that stack of dirty dishes will transform the look of your apartment’s kitchen.

Simple Cleaning Solutions

Keeping your apartment clean doesn’t mean purchasing an army’s worth of cleaning tools and supplies. Having a few simple tools and cleaning solutions on hand will cut down on clutter while making cleaning much more convenient. Most household surfaces can be cleaned with a solution of warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Areas you can clean with this simple—and cheap—solution include countertops, windows, and floors. If you need a stronger cleaner, mix vinegar with water in a spray bottle or use baking soda and water to make a paste that will lift stains and leave surfaces free of bacteria. These solutions work well on tile, stainless steel, and ceramic surfaces to leave your kitchen and bathrooms sparkling.

Making Cleaning Enjoyable

While cleaning may never be the ultimate measure of fun, finding ways to make cleaning enjoyable will encourage you to keep up with daily, weekly, and monthly chores. Listening to music or putting on a movie you love can provide just the right amount of background noise to keep you going throughout your cleaning tasks. Using eco-friendly products with natural scents can also been a mood- and energy-booster, making cleaning much more enjoyable. Keep your cleaning supplies in a single spot—when the things you need to clean your apartment are easy to find, you’ll be much more motivated to get started. Finally, don’t forget to reward yourself when you’ve finished your tasks. Buying yourself a latte, letting yourself sleep in a little, or just relaxing in your clean apartment are worthy rewards for a cleaning job well done.

You’ll love the space, convenience, and modern appeal of your Alta At The Estates apartment home in Watertown, MA. Our luxury apartments are available in one- and two-bedroom floor plans, complete with a private balcony, individual climate control, stainless steel appliances, and vinyl plank flooring with carpeted bedrooms. Visit us on the web to find out more about our community, our neighborhood, and our move-in specials.

Brighten Your Apartment with These Tips!

A brighter apartment will make your home appear larger and more inviting, creating a space where you will feel energized and content. There are many ways to brighten your apartment to improve its appearance and comfort. These simple decorative tricks can drastically transform your apartment, making it feel light, airy, and welcoming:

Add the Right Lighting

Using right types of lighting in your apartment can have a big impact on the indoor atmosphere. During the fall and winter, days are shorter with fewer hours of sunlight. This means you’ll use your indoor lamps longer; however, making smart lighting choices can reduce your utility bills and keep your apartment looking bright all season long. Spread ambient lighting throughout each room, focusing on lamps that will shine light on walls and ceilings where it can be reflected to create greater comfort. If you have areas you want to highlight, such as art or other décor, use accent lighting to draw attention to these features while also adding light to your space. In areas where you read, do schoolwork, or perform other tasks, use focused task lighting for greater comfort and convenience.

Hang Mirrors

Mirrors are a versatile decorative tool that reflect light and views to make a space seem much larger and brighter. You can use mirrors to brighten small spaces, especially in areas that don’t have dedicated windows—but take care to make sure the mirror reflects something that’s worth viewing. Placing a mirror across from a light source, whether natural or artificial, makes the greatest use of its reflective properties. Large mirrors work well in areas such as dining rooms and bedrooms, while smaller mirrors make a great addition to a bathroom, entryway, or hall. “Leaner mirrors” are an increasingly-popular concept—these large mirrors are simply allowed to lean against walls, rather than hanging. These mirrors work well in corners, where they can be used to soften and brighten your space.

Use Bright Colors

One of the simplest ways to brighten your apartment is to utilize bright colors in your décor. Bright colors reflect light and help to open up a space; large, bold patterns will achieve the same look, so don’t shy away from them. Keep in mind that you don’t need a neon palette to make a room look bright—pastels and softer shades are also considered light, bright, and airy colors. Pair a bold color with white or silver for a more modern, sophisticated look. Bright accessories such as throw pillows, rugs, and flowers can add punches of color to any room. Because it can be tempting to overuse a bright color palette, which will create a chaotic rather than inviting space, keep your color schemes to two to three colors per room to avoid this common mistake.

Are you ready to enjoy a bright, inviting apartment in San Diego? BLVD63 offers resort-style apartment living, complete with apartment features that include stainless steel appliances, natural wood-style flooring, and ceiling fans in every bedroom. Visit us online to check out our full list of amenities and features, or contact us today to begin the leasing process.

Tips for a Smooth Moving Experience

Moving is often one of the most-dreaded experiences on anyone’s to-do list—however, the right strategy can drastically improve the ease of moving to your new apartment. Taking steps to prepare for your move well in advance of moving day is the key to a successful and easy moving experience. Keep reading to discover just a few of the tasks you can perform before your move so you can sit back and relax as soon as the last box has been placed in your new apartment home.

Call Movers and Services Well In Advance

The best way to ensure everything is ready to go on moving day is to start making calls as soon as you know you’re going to move. Contact a number of local movers for estimates so you can compare rates and choose the ideal moving service for you. Especially if you are moving at a busy time of year, the earlier you call, the more movers you will have to choose from. If you’re going to be moving on your own with the help of friends and family, it doesn’t hurt to call them as early as possible, either. Giving your helpers enough time to request the day off or make other arrangements will ensure you’ll have the total number of hands you expect on moving day. In addition to setting up your moving services, you’ll also need to contact your current and future electricity, water, and internet or cable providers. Let your current providers know when to turn off your service and set up your new services for the day you move in. Scheduling these changes in advance will ensure that your water, power, and other services are ready in your new apartment as soon as you need them.

Pack a First Night Box

Planning ahead for your first night in your new apartment can provide you with the perfect end to a smooth moving day. Keep in mind that immediately after your move, you may not know where specific items or boxes are located. Packing a first night box with all the necessities you’ll need right off the bat means that you won’t need to go searching for toiletries, clothes, or other necessities on your first night. Items you should pack include toilet paper, paper towels, a shower curtain, your toiletries, pajamas and at least one change of clothes, bedding and pillowcases, and any chargers you may need, such as those for your laptop or cell phone. Keep your first night box in your car so it stays separate from the rest of your boxes during the moving process; this will make it easy to find at the end of a long day when you’re ready to kick back and relax.

Are you ready to make the move to a luxury one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartment in Phoenix? 44 Monroe is Arizona’s tallest residential tower, offering beautiful penthouse apartments right in the center of it all. Please stop by our website to check out our amazing amenities, features, and floor plans. If you’re ready to discuss your lease, contact us online or make an appointment to come by in person!  

Hanging Art in Your Apartment

Artwork adds color, texture, and personality to your Hollywood apartment. Hanging art involves two stages: the planning stage and the implementation stage. Planning where your art will go and how you want it to look on your walls ensures your art achieves the best effect in concert with your furnishings and other décor. Proper hanging techniques make it easier and faster to hang your art securely so you can enjoy it for very little effort.

Laying Out Your Art

Laying out your art is much like laying out your furniture—you should take into account the style, color, and size of your art to achieve the greatest effect. Art can act as a standalone feature on a blank wall or complement your furnishings and other décor. Standalone art should be large and bold, drawing the eye and taking up enough space so as not to feel overpowered by the blank wall around it. Tapestries and scrolls work well for this type of effect, but large posters and collages of smaller prints are also a great way to highlight an otherwise blank wall. When pairing artwork with your furnishings, it’s important to balance the size of your art with the size of the pieces around it. Hanging a small picture above a large couch won’t look balanced—instead, use a larger piece of art or group several small pictures to match the size of your art and your furniture. Groups and motifs also work well in areas such as bathrooms, hallways, and bedrooms, even when you don’t have much space for art. Making a group out of similar images creates a larger piece of art it exactly the size and shape you need to make the space work.

Hanging Your Art

When it’s time to hang your art, using the right tools is key. Dedicated picture-hanging hooks are always a better choice than screws or nails, as they are designed to hold artwork securely in place. Make sure your hook is capable of supporting the full weight of your art, including the frame—you can use two or more hooks for larger pieces for added security. Regardless of the weight, using two picture hooks per frame will provide superior stability and prevent pictures from ending up off-kilter. Using D-rings instead of a wire also provides better stability. When hanging your art, use a ruler and a level to help make this process easier; if possible, recruit a friend or family member to make the job go much faster. Having a second pair of hands to hold art in place while you check to make sure you like the placement is invaluable. In a room where you’ll be primarily standing, hang art such that the center falls at 57” above the ground—this is average eye-level, making your art more readily visible and the overall effect more aesthetically pleasing. If you are hanging art in an area where you’ll be sitting most of the time, you can lower the center by a few inches to accommodate this change in viewpoint.

Vida Hollywood Apartments offers one- and two-bedroom floor plans with convenient access to some of Hollywood’s most popular hotspots, including Hollywood Blvd. and the Hollywood & Highland Center. Click through our website for more details about our modern apartment community, including amenities like our resort-style pool and assigned covered parking. Contact us online or stop by in person to discover how you can make Vida Hollywood your new home today!

Introducing Your Dog to Your New Apartment

Whether you are moving to Carmel The Village with your dog or you choose to adopt a pet once you’ve settled into your Mountain View Apartment, introducing your pet to his new home is an exciting time. However, it’s important to keep in mind that animals view moves differently than their owners; taking certain steps can ensure your pet’s transition is a smooth and happy one.

Safe Moving Tips

If you’ll be moving with your dog, a few tips will ensure he is safe and happy during the process. Prior to the day of your move, bring out his crate or carrier so he can get used to its presence. If possible, take your dog to a friend’s, day kennel, or keep him in a single room with the door closed on the day of the move. This will prevent him from getting scared or accidentally running out the door while things are chaotic. Avoid bringing your dog to your new apartment until the moving process is finished to reduce stress on his part. When transporting your dog to his new apartment home, make sure he is safe and secure in his crate during the trip. If you’ll be taking a longer road trip to your new home, keep in mind that you’ll need extra supplies to ensure your dog’s comfort. Once you’ve arrived in your new home, keep your dog’s crate or carrier out and available for a few days so he has a safe, familiar place to retreat.

Introduction to New Surroundings

How quickly your dog takes to his new surroundings will depend upon his personality. However, keep in mind that even the most outgoing dogs can feel intimidated in a new space. The best way to help your dog feel comfortable in his new apartment home is to provide familiar items, such as a favorite blanket, bed, or toy. Bring these items from your old home, or ask the shelter where you purchased your dog if you may have one of his toys or blankets. Create a corner that is just for your dog, clear of any obstructions or distractions. Place his crate or carrier in this area, giving him a place to feel safe and enclosed. For the first few days, keep the doors to the other rooms in your apartment shut; let your pet get used to one small area at a time before opening up more space to explore. If you have an established routine for feeding, walking, and playtime, do your best to maintain this schedule—animals are most comfortable when their regular and familiar schedule is followed during this transition.

Carmel The Village welcomes you and your furry family members to our luxury apartment community, located in Mountain View, CA. Onsite amenities include a pet wash station, outdoor greenspace and dogspot, upscale pool retreat, and modern gym and yoga studio. You can check out our floor plans and availability on our website to find out more about your future home near San Jose and Palo Alto. 

Reducing Energy Usage This Winter

The winter season brings with it longer nights, colder temperatures, and increased energy usage in the home. If you’re looking for ways to reduce energy consumption in your apartment this winter, there are a few simple changes you can make to enjoy the same level of comfort at lower financial and environmental cost.

Use Your Curtains Wisely

In the summer, the best practice is to keep your curtains or blinds closed during the day to prevent solar heating inside your apartment. During the winter, it’s best to reverse this practice and keep your blinds open during daylight hours to keep your apartment warmer. As soon as the sun goes down, close your curtains or blinds to provide added insulation and reduce the need for heating overnight.

Switch to Efficient Light Sources

Energy-efficient lighting means you’ll use less electricity to enjoy the same level of light inside your apartment. During the winter, you can use your artificial lights up to twice as long as during the summer months. Switching to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) will drastically cut your lighting bill because these options convert more electricity into light than traditional incandescent bulbs. When switching your bulbs, however, keep in mind that not all CFLs and LEDs can be used in regular fixtures. Check that any new bulbs you buy are compatible with your current lamps and fixtures, especially if they use dimmer switches.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can run clockwise or counterclockwise to aid with heating and cooling. While you should run your fans in the counterclockwise direction during the summer to promote better cooling, reverse your fans in the winter for more efficient heating. Switching your fan to rotate in the clockwise direction and running it at a low speed will help to force warmer air toward the floor and into your living space, improving comfort inside your apartment. This will help lower your overall heating bills by circulating heated air more efficiently.

Focus on the Right Lighting

Because you use your lights for longer hours in the winter, using the right types of lighting can also cut your electric bill during this time of year. Whenever possible, use focused task lighting rather than ambient lighting, which will provide better illumination in dedicated work and living areas of your apartment. Make sure you have one dedicated reading lamp or work light to avoid eyestrain and reduce the need for ambient lighting elsewhere in the room when completing specific tasks. In areas where ambient lighting is important, focus on lamps that will illuminate the ceiling rather than the floor; this technique will reflect more light back into the room and make the best use of your lights.

At Alta Harvest Station, you’ll discover apartment features and amenities designed to provide you with the utmost in convenience, comfort, and eco-friendly living. Our Broomfield luxury apartment community includes community greenspace, a Zen garden, a dog park and wash area, and electric charging stations for green vehicles. You can find out more about renting a Broomfield apartment with us on the web!