Hot weather can make apartment life feel stuffy and uncomfortable, especially when utility bills begin to surge. For most renters, a top priority is staying cool without paying an outrageous electric bill each month. The good news is that there are plenty of simple, renter-friendly ways to keep your home comfortable while improving energy efficiency. A few easy strategies you can use to keep your apartment cool can go a long way toward better summer energy savings.
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:
- Setting the thermostat lower than necessary
- Sunlight coming directly through windows
- Poor airflow indoors
- Frequent use of heat-producing appliances
Every one of these contributes to the larger problem of expensive electricity bills. But even simple changes can help your air conditioner work more efficiently and soften the impact on your utility bills.
Renter-Friendly Ways to Block Window Heat
While renters do not always have the ability to improve insulation or other building features that affect indoor temperature control, they can still use window treatments to block direct sunlight and help keep your home cool. In many cases, that alone can reduce the amount of time the AC has 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
In addition to blocking sunlight, it helps to prevent cool air from escaping your home and improve energy efficiency. A simple way to check is to hold your hand near window seals and around exterior doors. If you notice a draft, cooled air is leaking out.
When you find a draft, weatherstripping or draft blockers can be a practical next step. There are many renter-friendly options that won’t damage structures but can help reduce or minimize drafts and air leaks. This, in turn, will help your home maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
Improve Air Circulation with Fans
One easy way to reduce the workload on your air conditioner is to improve your home’s indoor air circulation. Ceiling fans can help spread cooled air, but make sure the blades are set to spin counterclockwise for summer so they push air down and create a wind-chill effect. That can help rooms feel cooler even at higher temperatures.
If ceiling fans are not available, or if you simply want more airflow, try adding extra fans around the apartment. One practical strategy is to place fans near windows during cooler morning or evening hours. Pulling cooler outside air indoors can make a noticeable difference and help give your air conditioner a break.
The Best Thermostat Settings for Summer Savings
People rarely agree on the ideal thermostat setting, 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. Comfortable levels differ from person to person, although small changes can still help reduce your overall energy usage. Increasing the setting by a degree or two can help you see real savings in your electricity bill each month, and a smart or programmable thermostat may help you keep a closer eye on energy use if your landlord approves it.
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
Another smart way to stay comfortable through the summer and ensure maximum energy efficiency is to build a personal cooling routine. Many everyday tasks create heat indoors without drawing much attention, including cooking, laundry, and even certain 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 your efforts to optimize your air conditioner’s performance do not seem to help, it may be time to consider whether a larger issue is present. Trouble maintaining a stable temperature, unusual jumps in your utility bills, or other signs that your AC isn’t working properly can all point to a mechanical problem. When that happens, reach out to your management early and ensure that mechanical issues are resolved promptly.
Are you searching for a comfortable rental home that supports year-round living? Contact Real Property Management Freedom today to learn more about our quality rental properties in Hillsborough County and discover a place you’ll feel good about all year!
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.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
