1. Be Intentional with Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is one of the most powerful tools in your home when it comes to managing energy use. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting it to 78°F while you are home and raising it a few degrees when you leave for the day or head to bed at night. Each degree you increase the setting can translate to up to 3% in savings on your cooling costs.

If your apartment is equipped with a programmable or smart thermostat, set up a schedule that mirrors your daily routine. That way your AC is not working at full capacity when no one is home to benefit from it.

2. Get More Mileage from Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are one of the most underutilized tools for staying cool during the summer. They do not actually lower the air temperature, but the airflow they produce creates a wind chill effect that makes a room feel several degrees cooler than it really is. Running a ceiling fan alongside your AC lets you raise your thermostat by about 4°F without feeling any less comfortable.

Make sure your fan is set to spin counterclockwise during the summer months so that cool air is pushed downward where you can feel it. Turn fans off when you leave the room since their benefit is felt by the people inside, not the room itself.

3. Close Your Blinds During the Hottest Hours

A significant amount of heat enters your apartment through your windows, particularly on south and west facing sides that receive direct afternoon sun. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day, keep your blinds, curtains, or shades closed to prevent that solar heat from building up inside your home.

Thermal drapes or blackout curtains are an affordable upgrade that can make a meaningful difference in how cool your apartment feels throughout the day. They reduce the burden on your AC and help your space maintain a more consistent and comfortable temperature from morning to evening.

4. Rethink Your Appliance Routine

The appliances you use every day produce more heat than most people realize, and adjusting when and how you use them during the summer can help keep your apartment cooler and your energy costs lower.

On hot days, trade the oven for a microwave, air fryer, or slow cooker to avoid heating up your kitchen. Run your dishwasher and washing machine during the cooler evening or early morning hours rather than midday. Making the switch to LED bulbs is a small change with a real payoff since they generate far less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs. It is also worth unplugging chargers and electronics you are not actively using because they continue drawing power and releasing heat even when sitting idle.

5. Check for and Address Air Leaks

Gaps around windows and exterior doors allow cool air to escape and warm air to sneak in, which means your AC has to run longer to keep your apartment at a comfortable temperature. Take a few minutes to check around your window frames and at the base of your exterior doors for any noticeable drafts or openings.

If you find something that needs attention, the Wesley Stonecrest maintenance team is here to help. Submit a request and we will get it addressed right away. In the meantime, a draft stopper at the base of your door is a simple and low cost way to reduce air loss until the fix is made.

6. Open Your Windows When the Temperature Drops

Your AC does not have to run nonstop to keep your apartment comfortable throughout the day. On cooler mornings and evenings, generally before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m., open your windows to let fresh air circulate and give your system a rest. If you can open windows on opposite ends of your apartment, you will encourage a natural cross breeze that refreshes the entire space without using any energy at all.

Once the outdoor temperature rises above the temperature inside your home, close your windows back up and let your AC handle things for the rest of the day.

7. Keep Your AC Filter Clean and Current

A dirty or clogged filter forces your air conditioning system to work much harder than it should, which increases energy use and can also affect the quality of air circulating through your home. During the summer when your AC is running more frequently, check your filter every month and plan to replace it every one to three months based on use.

If you have any questions about your filter or need assistance with your HVAC system, the maintenance team at Wesley Stonecrest is always glad to help. Just reach out and we will take care of it.

8. Make Use of the Cooler Areas in Your Home

Heat naturally rises and sun exposed rooms warm up more quickly than interior or shaded spaces, so parts of your apartment will feel noticeably different from one another at certain times of day. During the hottest hours of the afternoon, spend time in the cooler areas of your home and keep interior doors open so that cool air from your AC can flow freely and evenly throughout the entire space rather than collecting in just one room.

Enjoy Summer to the Fullest at Wesley Stonecrest

Staying comfortable and energy conscious this summer is completely within reach. A few simple and consistent habits can keep your apartment cool, protect your budget, and leave you more time and energy to enjoy everything that Lithonia and the surrounding area has to offer.

When you are ready to step outside and take in the season, our community amenities are right here to help you relax and recharge. And whenever you have a maintenance need or a question about your home, the Wesley Stonecrest team is always just a call or visit away.

Here is to a cool, comfortable, and energy smart summer from all of us at Wesley Stonecrest Apartments!

The post Beat the Heat: Energy-Saving Tips for Apartment Renters This Summer appeared first on The Stonecrest Journal.

Memorial Day Weekend: What’s Nearby

Living at Wesley Stonecrest means you’re surrounded by some of the Atlanta area’s most celebrated Memorial Day destinations. You won’t have to travel far to make the holiday weekend memorable.

Stone Mountain Park

Just a short drive away, Stone Mountain Park hosts one of the Atlanta area’s most iconic Memorial Day celebrations. This year’s event runs May 22–25, with attractions open daily from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM and the Summer Light Show starting at 9:30 PM each night. The highlight is a brand-new drone and light show honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States, featuring synchronized drones, fire effects, large-scale projections across the mountain face, and a patriotic fireworks finale. Active and retired military personnel receive free admission with a valid ID, and military family members get up to 35% off.

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

Practically in your backyard, the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area spans 40,000 acres just east of Atlanta and offers some of the most unique outdoor scenery in the entire state. The area features more than 30 miles of paved and unpaved trails winding through exposed granite outcrops, glassy lakes, wetlands, and dense Georgia forest. The Top Trail is a popular beginner-friendly 1.3-mile hike to a 360-degree summit view — perfect for a Memorial Day morning. The paved Arabia Mountain PATH also connects directly to Stonecrest Mall, making it one of the most accessible trail systems in the metro.

The Mall at Stonecrest

Memorial Day sales are in full swing at The Mall at Stonecrest, just one mile from the property. Whether you’re shopping for summer gear, grabbing a meal, or catching a movie, the mall is a convenient and easy holiday weekend option that’s hard to beat for proximity.

Atlanta Braves at Truist Park

The Braves are hosting the Washington Nationals at Truist Park over Memorial Day weekend (May 22–24), making it a perfect excuse to head out to The Battery Atlanta for the game, great food, and a lively holiday atmosphere. It’s an easy and festive way to kick off the summer season.

A Whole Summer Worth of Things to Do

Once Memorial Day launches the season, the Stonecrest and DeKalb County area keeps the momentum going all the way through Labor Day. There is genuinely something for every kind of resident.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves coming back to Arabia Mountain again and again. The Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve encompasses 2,550 acres with multiple trail options for every fitness level — from the gentle Nature Garden Trail to the full Boardwalk Trail Loop at 5.1 miles. The paved Arabia Mountain PATH is a favorite for cyclists and runners, connecting you through forest, wetlands, a historic covered bridge, and all the way down to Panola Mountain State Park and the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers.

Stone Mountain Park is a full summer destination on its own. The Geyser Splash Pad is open through August 31 for families with kids, and the free Lasershow Spectacular runs through September 6 — a beloved Atlanta tradition featuring drones, lasers, music, and fireworks over the mountain face. Kayak and paddleboard rentals on the lake, the Summit Skyride cable car, and the SkyHike adventure course round out what is easily one of the most packed family-friendly parks in the Southeast.

For something a little closer to home, Stonecrest itself continues to grow as a dining and entertainment destination. The city’s community programming — including fitness events, outdoor gatherings, and neighborhood celebrations — keeps things lively throughout the warmer months. Keep an eye on the City of Stonecrest’s calendar at stonecrestga.gov for updated events all summer long.

Your Pool Is Ready — and So Is the Season

Of course, the best summer days are sometimes the ones that never leave the property. Wesley Stonecrest’s waterscape swimming pool is your warm-weather retreat right at home — a beautiful, resort-style space designed for relaxing, unwinding, and soaking up the Georgia sun without going anywhere.

Our pool is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM and maintained to the same standard as the rest of our community — clean, peaceful, and ready when you are. Whether you’re cooling off after a morning hike at Arabia Mountain or just making the most of a lazy summer afternoon, the pool is one of the best perks of calling Wesley Stonecrest home.

Pro tip: Stone Mountain Park and Arabia Mountain both draw large crowds on holiday weekends. Spend Memorial Day at the pool and plan your park visit for a quieter weekday — you’re close enough to make that call on a moment’s notice.

Summer 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional one here in Stonecrest. With fireworks at Stone Mountain, world-class trails at Arabia Mountain, and resort-style living right on property, Wesley Stonecrest puts you exactly where you want to be. We hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and a summer full of great moments.

Not yet a resident? Come see why Stonecrest residents choose Wesley — schedule a tour at wesleystonecrest.com.

The post Your Best Summer Yet Starts Right Here in Stonecrest! appeared first on The Stonecrest Journal.

Pet-Friendly Amenities at Wesley Stonecrest

Residents enjoy spacious floor plans with plenty of room for pets, plus easy access to walking areas around the community. We’re a short drive from Panola Mountain State Park, perfect for outdoor adventures with your dog. With our welcoming pet policy, you and your furry friend can enjoy the comfort of apartment living without compromise.

Local Pet Resources Near Stonecrest

Living at Wesley Stonecrest means being close to trusted pet services and fun hangouts.

Panola Mountain State Park just minutes away offering hiking trails where leashed dogs are welcome.

The Ark Animal Hospital A highly-rated veterinary clinic in Lithonia for check-ups and emergency care.

PetSmart Lithonia Convenient for grooming, supplies, and treats.

Bark ATL Dog daycare and boarding just a short trip into Atlanta for when you’re traveling.

Stonecrest Dog Park A local favorite for off-leash play and socializing.

Why Stonecrest is Perfect for Pet Owners

The Stonecrest, Lithonia, and DeKalb County area is full of pet-friendly attractions. From dog parks and nature trails to vets and groomers, everything you need is close by. Choosing Wesley Stonecrest Apartments means you’re not just finding a home for yourself, you’re creating a lifestyle for your entire household, pets included.

The post Pet-Friendly Living at Wesley Stonecrest Apartments appeared first on The Stonecrest Journal.