Summer in the Chicago area brings more than sunshine and days at the lake – it also brings rising temperatures, increased energy demand, and higher utility bills. For condominium associations, prolonged heat waves can strain building systems, increase operating expenses, and create challenges for both board members and residents.
The good news? A little preparation can go a long way toward protecting your building, managing costs, and keeping residents comfortable throughout the hottest months of the year.
1. Keep Common Areas Comfortable: Lobbies, hallways, clubhouses, fitness rooms, and other shared spaces should provide a safe and comfortable environment for residents. During periods of extreme heat, these spaces often see increased use by residents seeking relief from high temperatures.
Boards should:
- Verify that cooling systems serving common areas are operating properly.
- Check programmable thermostats to ensure schedules match building usage.
- Inspect doors and windows for drafts that allow cool air to escape.
- Keep entrances closed whenever possible to reduce unnecessary cooling loss.
2. Schedule Preventative HVAC Maintenance: Nothing is more expensive than an emergency HVAC repair during the hottest week of the summer. Routine maintenance helps ensure your building's heating and cooling equipment operates efficiently while reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
Preventative maintenance should include:
- Replacing or cleaning air filters.
- Inspecting belts, motors, and electrical components.
- Cleaning condenser and evaporator coils.
- Checking refrigerant levels.
- Testing thermostats and control systems.
- Verifying proper airflow throughout common areas.
3. Improve Energy Efficiency Throughout the Building: Even small improvements can make a noticeable difference in monthly utility expenses.
Consider opportunities such as:
- Replacing older lighting with LED fixtures.
- Installing motion sensors in hallways, storage rooms, and other low-traffic spaces.
- Sealing windows and doors in common areas.
- Upgrading to programmable or smart thermostats.
- Reviewing landscaping to provide natural shade around buildings where appropriate.
4. Watch Water Usage During Summer Months: Utility costs don't stop with electricity. Summer often brings increased water consumption from irrigation systems, outdoor cleaning, landscaping, and resident usage.
Boards should consider:
- Inspecting irrigation systems for leaks or broken sprinkler heads.
- Watering landscaping during early morning or evening hours to reduce evaporation.
- Monitoring monthly water bills for unusual increases.
- Checking common-area plumbing for leaks.
- Encouraging residents to conserve water during periods of high demand.
5. Communicate with Residents During Extreme Heat: One of the most valuable things a board can do is communicate proactively.
When temperatures rise, consider sending a building-wide email or newsletter reminding residents to:
- Stay hydrated.
- Limit outdoor activity during peak heat.
- Report HVAC problems in common areas promptly.
- Check on elderly neighbors or residents who may need assistance.
- Conserve electricity during periods of peak demand when possible.
6. Review Utility Costs Before Budget Season: July is also an excellent time for boards to review year-to-date utility expenses. Have electricity, gas, or water costs exceeded budget expectations? Are seasonal spikes becoming a recurring trend? Understanding these patterns now can help your association build a more accurate budget for the coming year and identify opportunities to reduce expenses before they become long-term financial challenges.
7. Plan Today for a More Comfortable Tomorrow: Extreme summer weather is becoming more common, making proactive planning more important than ever. By maintaining building systems, improving energy efficiency, monitoring utility usage, and keeping residents informed, condo associations can better manage costs while providing a safe and comfortable living environment.
Need Help Managing Your Association's Finances?
Utility costs are only one piece of your association's financial picture. If your self-managed or small condominium association is looking for expert bookkeeping, budgeting, financial reporting, or assessment tracking, Haus Financial Services specializes in helping Illinois condo associations stay financially organized and prepared for the future. Learn more about Haus Financial Services offerings and reach out today.
