PPM Apartments Blog

Choosing the Right Window Air Conditioner for Your Apartment

Don Bibly — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:16:10 +0000

Bigger isn’t always better, at least when choosing a window air conditioner is concerned. Why? An air conditioner serves two functions – the primary is cooling a room. The second, and also important function, is to dehumidify the room. An air conditioner too large for your apartment will cool it to your desired temperature, but will shut off before the room can be properly dehumidified. This poses an issue, because a room not properly dehumidified will still feel “sticky” and uncomfortable. Choosing an air conditioner with the proper BTU rating (cooling capacity) for the size of room you are trying to cool properly dehumidifies the room, and also save electricity. Energy Star™ offers the recommendations below.

Area To Be Cooled (square feet)	Capacity Needed (BTUs per hour)
100 up to 150	5,000
150 up to 250	6,000
250 up to 300	7,000
300 up to 350	8,000
350 up to 400	9,000
400 up to 450	10,000
450 up to 550	12,000
550 up to 700	14,000
700 up to 1,000	18,000
1,000 up to 1,200	21,000
1,200 up to 1,400	23,000
1,400 up to 1,500	24,000
1,500 up to 2,000	30,000
2,000 up to 2,500	34,000

Also, make the following adjustments if any of the following apply to you or the room you are cooling:
- If the room is heavily shaded, reduce capacity by 10 percent.
- If the room is very sunny, increase capacity by 10 percent.
- If more than two people regularly occupy the room, add 600 BTUs for each additional person.
- If the unit is used in a kitchen, increase capacity by 4,000 BTUs.
- Consider where you install the unit. If you are mounting an air conditioner near the corner of a room, look for a unit that can send the airflow in the right direction.
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If you’re looking for a cool apartment in one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods (Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and the Gold Coast) book an appointment with us online or call (773) 570-3744. One of our expert leasing agents will give you a tour of some of our 3000 Chicago apartments in the neighborhood you’re interested in. Or, if you cannot be there in person, we are happy to walk you through an online tour.

5 Must-See YouTube Videos – PPM Chicago Apartments Blog

Don Bibly — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:40:43 +0000

Here at PPM Chicago Apartments we work hard to make videos that are informative and fun. And we must be doing a pretty good job, because thanks to you, our videos have have reached over 100,000 views. In honor of that, we put together a PPM “Best Of” video collection with our top 5 Must-See YouTube videos.

For a Good Laugh…

Easy Workout Tips That Make a Big Difference…

Something to Look Forward to When Skies Are Gray…

Our Top Advice for New Renters…

To Decide on the Best Chicago Neighborhood…

And to see more fun, cute, silly, quirky and informative videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. We put out new videos every week.

Love Where You Live Contest – PPM Chicago Apartments Blog

Don Bibly — Sun, 06 May 2012 17:33:54 +0000

Ever won $50 JUST FOR ENTERING a contest? Well, if you are a PPM resident, here’s your chance. ANY PPM RESIDENT that enters our “Love Where You Live” contest will automatically WIN A $50 RENT CREDIT JUST FOR ENTERING and a chance to win an additional $250 rent credit. Check out the video below for more information.

To Enter

1.) Take a video using your iPhone, iPad, Android, or any other camera. In the video, show us why you love where you live.
2.) Send an email to contest@ppmapartments.com with “Love Where You Live” in the subject line. Include in the body
-Your video (or the link to download it)
-Your full name, building, and apartment number
3.) That’s it! – Congratulations you just won a $50 rent credit.

WIN ANOTHER $250 RENT CREDIT!!!

After the submission period, the videos will be uploaded to our YouTube channel. The person who submitted the video that receives the most likes and comments on YouTube wins another $250 RENT CREDIT!

Rules and Regulations

1.   Contest is open to all residents of Planned Property Management.
2.   Only one entry per address (per apartment #) will be accepted.
3.   Once submitted, PPM holds the rights to use the video however it sees fit.
4.   Submissions will be accepted from May 7, 2012 until May 20, 2012.

Top Cinco de Mayo Events in Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and the Gold Coast – PPM Chicago Apartments Blog

Don Bibly — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:51:20 +0000

It believed by many that Cinco de Mayo honors Mexican independence. This is untrue. (Mexican Independence Day is observed Sept. 16^th) Another common belief is that we at PPM Chicago Apartments love celebrations, which in fact is true. Because of that, we’ve mustered up our favorites out of the many great events in PPM neighborhoods this weekend that celebrate Mexico and Mexican heritage.

Gold Coast

Outdoor Music Fest @ Dos Diablos (15 W. Hubbard St.) – Highlights of this party include traditional Mexican food, bull riding, and live music from the popular cover bands He Said, She Said and The Lounge Puppets. The festivities start at 5 pm and goes until 10pm.

Cinco Division @ She-nannigans House of Beer (16 W. Division) – Although Cinco Division is an effort from multiple Division bars, B96 is broadcasting from She-nannigans from 6-10pm. Plus, the rest of the shenanigans go on until 5am.

Lakeview

Cinco de Quatro @ Houndstooth (3369 N. Clark) – Nothing better than getting started extra-extra-early. This May 4^th event goes from 7-9pm and includes a chance to win a trip to Mexico, along with stellar beer specials. It is also guaranteed to have (and we quote) “people that you may or may not be sexually interested in”.

Lincoln Park

Cinco de Drunko Pub Crawl – The name says it all at this 6 bar trolley crawl. $20 gets you a Mexican buffet, drafts, margaritas, and trolley access to all 6 bars. The crawl goes from 8-11pm. Bars on the agenda are listed below.

The Wrightwood Tap, 1059 West Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Durkin’s Tavern, 810 West Diversey Parkway, Chicago, IL 60614
Duffy’s, 420 ½ West Diversey, Chicago, IL 60614
Redmond’s, 3358 North Sheffield, Chicago, IL 60657
Maeve, 1325 West Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

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What exciting events are you going to this weekend? We’d love to hear about them. Leave a comment below, or on PPM Chicago Apartments Facebook page or Twitter feed. And, if you’re looking to move to a great apartment in one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods (Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and the Gold Coast) book an appointment with us online or call (773) 570-3744. One of our expert leasing agents will give you a tour of some of our 3000 Chicago apartments in the neighborhood you’re interested in. Or, if you cannot be there in person, we are happy to walk you through an online tour.

5 Tips to Make Moving Less Stressful – PPM Chicago Apartments Blog

Don Bibly — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:17:57 +0000

It is very exciting moving into a new apartment, but at the same time it is stressful and time consuming. Here are our top 5 tips to help you reduce that stress.

If You’re Not Going to Use It, Get Rid of It

This seems like a no-brainer, but is hard to do when the “What if one day I need it?” panic starts to set in. Be honest with yourself, if you don’t use it, and it has no sentimental value, get rid of it. Unpacking will take less time, and you will have more storage space in the future. Plus, plenty of charities are grateful to take and put to good use the items you don’t.

Get a “Moving Day – No Parking” sign

Ensure a space in front of your building on the day it matters most. If you’re living in Chicago, Moving Day signs cost $25 and can be purchased from your local alderman’s office. But make sure to purchase the sign roughly a week in advance so it can be placed and the spot is clear when you need it.

Don’t Be Ashamed to Solicit Your Friends

It is wondrous what friends will do for a few beers and a pizza. So take advantage, and have them help every step of the way. Devise a plan; break your friends into groups. The ones that like to chat for hours ask to help pack or unpack. The ones that like a good workout (and the ones that own a truck) ask to help on moving day.

Free Eco-Friendly Packing Materials

For the most part, there’s no need to buy expensive packing materials. Head to your local Home Depot or other hardware store to get free boxes; they are often happy to give them away. And, take advantage of that pile of newspapers, sales ads, or old magazines you’ve been hoarding. They work just fine for wrapping and padding.

If Using a Moving Company, Have Them Pack Your Breakables

The best part about using a moving company is that they are insured, and in turn your possessions are insured. BUT, their insurance only covers your breakables if, and only if, the moving company themselves pack the boxes for you. So whether it’s your best dinnerware or your favorite knick-knacks, have them pack it. It’ll cost a little extra money, but the peace of mind is worth it.

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Have your own insider moving tips? We’d love to hear them. Leave a comment below, or on our Facebook page or Twitter feed. And, if you’re looking to move to a great apartment in one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods (Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and the Gold Coast) book an appointment with us online or call (773) 570-3744. One of our expert leasing agents will give you a tour of some of our 3000 Chicago apartments in the neighborhood you’re interested in. Or, if you cannot be there in person, we are happy to walk you through an online tour.

Why Renters Insurance Matters – PPM’s Chicago Apartments Blog

Don Bibly — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:12:39 +0000

When renting an apartment, everyone knows that they need the tangible essentials, such as a bed, couch, kitchenware, etc. But, the intangible essential they often forget about is renters insurance. What would you do, if through theft or disaster, all of the items in your home were just gone? Did you know that your landlord’s insurance covers none of your personal belongings? Check out this video below to find out about the importance of renters insurance and how it protects you.

Looking for more information on renters insurance? You can talk to Christian directly at (773) 629-1114.

If you’re looking for a great Chicago apartment in one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods (Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and the Gold Coast), book an appointment with us online or call (773) 570-3744. One of our expert leasing agents will give you a tour of some of our 3000 Chicago apartments in the neighborhood you’re interested in. Or, if you cannot be there in person, we are happy to walk you through an online tour.

Finding the Perfect Chicago Apartment in the Perfect Chicago Neighborhood

Don Bibly — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:18:00 +0000

We feel it is our duty to find you not only the perfect Chicago apartment, but the perfect Chicago apartment in the Chicago neighborhood that best fits your needs and taste. That’s where Zehida comes in. Zehida Latic, one of our expert leasing agents, has been offering her expertise to future PPM residents for the past 12 years. We are so appreciative to her. But, we are not the only ones. Here’s what one of our new residents had to say about her experience with Zehida.

Ms. Latic

I just wanted to take a moment to write and thank you again for all you did to help me and my mother find an apartment last weekend. I signed with you to move in to a studio (apartment) and could not be happier about the living arrangements. When I came back to pick up the packet, you were not available so we were unable to thank you in person. Thank you again for your hospitality, kindness, and honesty when dealing with us. It was truly a pleasure to meet you and sign with you! I’m looking forward to a wonderful relationship with PPM this year!

Many thanks again,

Alice

Thank you Zehida for all that you do for us and our residents. We are so grateful to you and to all of our amazing agents who are so knowledgeable about not only our Chicago apartments and buildings, but also each of our Chicago neighborhoods.

We’re Seriously Easy to Talk To – PPM Chicago Apartments Blog

Don Bibly — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:04:09 +0000

Here at PPM it truly is our goal to make renting a Chicago apartment with us the best possible experience for every single one of our residents. And since the only way to do that is by listening, we have just fallen in love with social media and how it lets our residents communicate with us.

For example, if someone had a question about an apartment, they could tweet to us.

Or, if they wanted to tell us about some of the great things our engineers do, they could post it on our Facebook timeline.

If they wanted to let others know what they think of us, there’s a (Facebook) app for that.

We even address questions and concerns on our YouTube channel.

Plus we love it when you check-in and leave tips on our buildings on Foursquare. AND we’re even in the process of building our own Pinterest pinboards (though we have to admit, that one is just for fun). So if you have a comment, question, or even gasp a complaint, let us know. We promise to listen.

3 Must-Visit Chicago Restaurant Patios – PPM Chicago Apartments Blog

Don Bibly — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:27:09 +0000

Chicagoans adore dining and drinking outdoors. The instant there’s a speck of sunlight and the temperature is above frosty, restaurants and bars line the sidewalk with chairs and tables to accommodate those who enjoy open-air seating. And although there are many great restaurant and bar patios in PPM neighborhoods (Gold Coast, Lakeview, Lincoln Park), the three below are a must-visit this spring.

Rockit Burger Bar (3700 N. Clark) – The recently transformed Rockit Wrigley offers menu with burgers made famous at their River North location, as well as new ones, such as the “Farmhouse” with bbq pulled pork, a fried egg, and applewood bacon on top of a black angus patty. The menu alone is reason enough to head to Rockit Burger Bar, but the patio at Rockit also faces Wrigley Field, making it the perfect place to head to on Cubs game days.

Tip: Click HERE for a free printable $10 gift certificate to Rockit Burger Bar.

D.S. Tequila (3352 N. Halsted) – Any place that puts “tequila” in their name comes with the expectation that it is going to be a little over-the-top, and this Boystown staple delivers on that expectation 7 days a week. With over 20 tequila infused cocktails on the menu and their own brand of retail tequila, it’s no wonder that the crowd is boisterous and jovial. The on top of that, the food menu includes full ½ lb burgers, contemporary taco variations, and jalapeño poppers as big as your fist.

Tip: The open-air patio has a retractable roof, making D.S. the perfect to head to when there is a chance of inclement weather.

Luxbar (18 E. Bellevue) –Perfectly positioned in the heart of the Gold Coast, Luxbar is as serious with its food as it is with its drink selection. The steaks and burgers hail from Gibsons, and the wine hails from here, there, and everywhere. Great as a pit stop in the middle of a shopping excursion or as a destination in itself, the patio at Lux is spacious and is great for watching the passersby on State and Rush. Plus Luxbar opens early (8am Fri-Sun) and the patio stays open until midnight 7 days a week.

Tip: Until May 6^th Luxbar is offering their full breakfast menu on Fridays for free from 8-10:30am.

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We want to know about your favorite restaurant or bar patio. Leave a comment below, or on PPM Chicago Apartments Facebook page or Twitter feed. And if you would like some more outdoor drinking and dining recommendations, check out our favorite covered beer gardens and rooftop patios.

Something to Brag About – PPM’s Living in Chicago Blog

Don Bibly — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 06:04:04 +0000

Here at PPM Chicago apartments, our engineers are most certainly something to brag about. But it’s not us that do the bragging, it’s our residents. Our residents give us constant feedback as to the spectacular job our engineers do in keeping our buildings in top condition, and by going the extra mile to make our residents happy. One of those spectacular engineers is Carlos from our 441 W. Barry building. Here’s what one of our residents has to say about Carlos.

Carlos is amazingly fantastic and I want to make sure that Planned Property is aware of what an asset he is to the company. He is always friendly, accommodating and helpful. Over the past 3 years, he has fixed any issue I have had, swiftly and while being conscientious of my property. I illicitly trust him in my apartment fixing things while I am not there – which is a rare feat.

As an example of what a fantastic engineer he is – I have a covered parking spot underneath my building, but there is a pretty steep incline to get my car out. I also leave for work very early in the morning. Carlos specifically asked me what time I leave for work in the morning so that he could come and snowblow/shovel the drive prior to me leaving for work so I would not have any trouble getting my car out. Who does that??? No one else I know except for Carlos!

He is amazing and a huge reason why I have stayed with Planned Property for so long – and I want to make sure that his hard work is acknowledged!

Thank you,
Sarah

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If you’re looking for an apartment with spectacular engineers in one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods (Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and the Gold Coast), book an appointment with us online or call (773) 570-3744. One of our expert leasing agents will give you a tour of some of our 3000 Chicago apartments in the neighborhood you’re interested in. Or, if you cannot be there in person, we are happy to walk you through an online tour.