Saving Energy: How to Stay Cool in the Summer

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Saving Energy: How to Stay Cool in the Summer

Rachael Weiner · Aug 18, 2010

Saving energy becomes a top priority during months of extreme weather, as cranking up your air conditioner in the summer or heating unit in the winter can lead to an expensive utility bill. Fortunately, during the summer months there are numerous measures you can take to stay cool while saving energy—and cash.

Start Simple: Close the Blinds

One of the simplest things you can do to conserve energy and still keep your apartment cool is to close the blinds during the hottest hours of the day. While it’s not the ultimate solution to a comfortable apartment on a 95-degree day, closing the blinds will help prevent the internal temperature from increasing. If you’re worried about sitting around in a darkened apartment, don’t close the blinds completely—keep them cracked to allow for a bit of sunlight.

Turn off the AC and Flip on the Fan

The best way to save energy in the summer is to turn off your central air conditioning or AC window unit. Save the air conditioning for days when you absolutely need it and use ceiling, oscillating or window fans most of the time. Fans are especially effective at night. Crack open a window and set a fan in front of it to circulate the cool night air.

Install Removable Weather Stripping

If you notice drafts or air leaks around your windows or doors, you may need to have weather stripping installed. If it’s a major problem, contact your apartment’s maintenance office first to see if they can make the repairs for you. If not action is taken (or if you only notice minor air leaks), you can purchase a tube of removable weather stripping, like Krylon’s White Lightening Season Seal, and apply it to the minor areas yourself.

Place Sun Control Window Films on Your Windows

Sun Control Window Films can block up to 79 per cent of solar heat that would have otherwise entered your living space. You can purchase rolls of the film at any home improvement store. For about $30 you can treat your windows and potentially save hundreds of dollars over the hot summer months.

Program Your Thermostat

If you have a programmable thermostat that allows you to change the temperature based upon your schedule (setting a higher temperature for the daytime hours while you’re away and a lower temperature for the evening hours when you’re home), make use of it. Unfortunately, not all apartment units have this luxury. In such a case, set a temperature for your apartment on your standard AC control. During the summer months, it’s a wise idea to keep the temperature in the low 70’s. This will prevent you from inconsistently turning on the cool air and stopping and starting the AC all day.

Cook Outside

Summertime is great for grilling. Instead of using your oven (which can be very uncomfortable on hot days), take the cooking outdoors. Grill up enough food to get you through a week. You’ll save yourself time later on and will prevent your apartment from heating up.

For the best results—and the most comfortable and cool summer apartment—utilize several of these methods. You’ll notice a savings in energy and have extra cash in your wallet.

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Rachael Weiner: I’m a communications professional for a non-profit, which financially necessitates my status as an apartment dweller. Constantly “on-the-go,” I’ve resided in five different apartments across the United States over the past five years. Roommate issues, budgeting, organizing and handling problem neighbors are my specialty.

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