As summer temperatures climb, apartments can heat up quickly and make daily life uncomfortable. That is often when utility bills begin creeping higher, too. Most renters want to stay cool without paying an outrageous electric bill every month. Thankfully, there are many practical, renter-friendly ways to keep your home comfortable while improving energy efficiency. A closer look at some easy strategies you can use to keep your apartment cool can help you hold onto summer energy savings all season long.
Why Summer Energy Bills Rise So Quickly
When renters see high energy bills in the summer, the air conditioner is often a big reason why. In fact, central air conditioning accounts for about 19% of all electricity used in the U.S., and that heavy demand can quickly show up on a monthly bill. The harder your system works to keep the apartment cool, the more your utility bills can grow. Some sneaky contributors that put added strain on an AC unit include:
- Running the thermostat colder than needed
- Direct sunlight pouring through windows
- Inadequate indoor air circulation
- Running heat-producing appliances
Together, these issues create the bigger problem of expensive electricity bills. The good news is that a few practical adjustments can help your air conditioner work more efficiently and ease the burden on your utility bills.
Renter-Friendly Ways to Block Window Heat
As a renter, you may not be able to change how your apartment was built or how well it is insulated, and those structural factors often affect indoor temperature control. But you can still use window treatments to block direct sunlight and help keep your home cool. That can reduce how often the AC needs to run.
For example, windows that receive a lot of direct sun benefit from blinds or shades that stay closed during the day, helping block heat from entering your home. If it is permitted, reflective window film can help keep out even more sunlight and UV exposure. Another renter-friendly option is thermal or blackout curtains, either on their own or paired with additional window treatments. Even small efforts to block sunlight can make your apartment noticeably cooler.
How to Find and Seal Apartment Air Leaks
Blocking sunlight is not the only way to stay cooler. It is also worth taking steps to prevent cool air from escaping your home and improve energy efficiency. For example, run your hand near window seals and around exterior doors. If you feel air moving, cooled air is escaping outside.
Stopping the leak often starts with weatherstripping or draft blockers placed where drafts are coming through. There are many renter-friendly options that won’t damage structures but can help reduce or minimize drafts and air leaks. That improvement will help your home maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
Improve Air Circulation with Fans
Another effective way to help your AC work less hard is to improve your home’s indoor air circulation. Ceiling fans can distribute cooled air well, as long as the blades are set to spin counterclockwise during summer so they push air downward and create a wind-chill effect. That extra movement can make rooms feel cooler even when temperatures stay warm.
If ceiling fans are not part of your apartment, there are still ways to improve airflow. Additional fans placed strategically near windows during cooler morning and evening hours can move outside air indoors and help give your air conditioner a break.
The Best Thermostat Settings for Summer Savings
Thermostat settings are always up for debate, but there is usually a sweet spot between comfort and energy savings. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when you are home to maximize your savings. That may not feel right for everyone, but even modest changes can help reduce your overall energy usage. A slight increase in temperature can help you see real savings in your electricity bill each month, and with your landlord’s approval, a programmable or smart thermostat can make tracking usage even easier.
To save the most energy, turn your thermostat up 7 to 10 degrees higher when you are away from home for 8 hours. Although it may seem counterintuitive, the energy saved while you are gone is greater than the energy needed to cool the apartment back down later.
Daily Habits to Keep an Apartment Cool Without AC
One more useful habit for staying cool all summer and ensure maximum energy efficiency is creating your own cooling routine at home. A surprising number of normal daily activities add heat to a room, including cooking, drying clothes, and using older light bulbs.
Keeping your home cool in the summer does not always require major effort. Start with simple routine changes such as cooking outdoors, using a slow cooker in place of the stove, and switching to LED bulbs. Limiting major appliance use to cooler morning or evening hours can help as well. Clean, open vents also matter because they allow cooled air to move efficiently and help your air conditioner operates as efficiently as possible. Even small changes to a daily routine can lead to meaningful utility savings over time.
Address Cooling Problems Early
If you have taken steps to optimize your air conditioner’s performance but still are not getting results, there may be a bigger underlying problem. When the system struggles to hold a consistent temperature, utility bills spike unexpectedly, or other signs suggest your AC isn’t working properly, comfort can drop quickly. In those cases, it is best to reach out to your management early and ensure that mechanical issues are resolved promptly.
If you are looking for a comfortable rental home built with comfort in mind, Contact Real Property Management Prosperity today to learn more about our quality rental properties in Warminster and discover a home you’ll enjoy year-round!
This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers should consult with licensed professionals regarding their specific circumstances.
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