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
A leading factor behind high energy bills in the summer is the amount of work your air conditioner has to do. In fact, central air conditioning accounts for about 19% of all electricity used in the U.S., which is a big reason summer bills feel so steep. The more strain placed on your system, the more your utility bills tend to rise. A few everyday conditions can add pressure to an AC unit, including:
- Running the thermostat colder than needed
- Too much direct sunlight through windows
- Poor airflow indoors
- Running 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
Renters usually have limited control over insulation and other structural details that affect indoor temperature control. Even so, you can use window treatments to block direct sunlight and help keep your home cool. When less heat comes in through the windows, your air conditioner may not have to cycle as often.
For example, blinds or shades on windows that get the strongest sun can help block heat from entering your home when they are kept closed during the day. If your landlord approves it, reflective window film can add another layer of protection against heat and UV rays. Another renter-friendly option is thermal or blackout curtains, which can be used alone or together with other window coverings. Even modest changes to your windows can noticeably lower indoor temperatures during the day.
How to Find and Seal Apartment Air Leaks
Another useful step is to prevent cool air from escaping your home and improve energy efficiency by identifying air leaks. One easy check is to place your hand near window seals and exterior doors. If you feel a draft, cooled indoor air is slipping out.
Once you locate a gap, adding weatherstripping or draft blockers is often enough to help. There are many renter-friendly options that won’t damage structures but can help reduce or minimize drafts and air leaks. Those modest changes 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 your apartment does not have ceiling fans, or if you prefer stronger airflow, consider using additional fans in strategic spots. Fans placed near windows during cooler morning and evening hours can move cooler outdoor air inside and help give your air conditioner a break.
The Best Thermostat Settings for Summer Savings
Thermostat settings can be surprisingly personal, but there is still 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. Even if your preferred setting differs, small changes can still help reduce your overall energy usage. Raising the temperature slightly may help you see real savings in your electricity bill each month, and a programmable or smart thermostat can help monitor usage when permitted by your landlord.
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 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 Strive today to learn more about our quality rental properties in Spokane 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.
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.
