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
One of the biggest culprits of high energy bills in the summer is the air conditioner itself. In fact, central air conditioning accounts for about 19% of all electricity used in the U.S., and that demand often shows up directly in your monthly bill. The harder your system has to work, the more your utility bills usually climb. Common habits and conditions that add extra strain to an AC unit include:
- Choosing a thermostat setting that is too low
- Too much direct sunlight through windows
- Inadequate indoor air circulation
- Heavy use of heat-producing appliances
All of these factors feed into the same bigger problem: expensive electricity bills. Still, a handful of small changes can help your air conditioner work more efficiently and reduce pressure 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.
To address those leaks, try weatherstripping or draft blockers around the problem areas. There are many renter-friendly options that won’t damage structures but can help reduce or minimize drafts and air leaks. In turn, those small fixes 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.
When ceiling fans are missing or you want more air movement, additional portable fans can still help. Positioning them near windows during cooler morning or evening hours can bring in outside air and help give your air conditioner a break throughout the day.
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. The system may need to cool the apartment again later, but that does not erase the energy you saved while you were out.
Daily Habits to Keep an Apartment Cool Without AC
A helpful addition to any summer plan is a personal “cool apartment” routine that can ensure maximum energy efficiency. Many daily habits generate extra heat indoors, from cooking and drying clothes to the light bulbs you use each day.
Keeping your home cool in the summer can be as much about daily habits as equipment. Cooking on an outdoor grill or using a slow cooker instead of the stove helps reduce indoor heat, and LED bulbs can make a difference too. It also helps to save major appliance use for cooler morning or evening hours and keep vents clean and unblocked so 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 already tried to optimize your air conditioner’s performance and nothing seems to improve, there may be a larger issue involved. A system that cannot hold a consistent temperature, sudden spikes in utility bills, or other clues that your AC isn’t working properly can quickly make your apartment less comfortable. In these situations, it is important to 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 Viking today to learn more about our quality rental properties in St Louis Park 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.
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