Cranking up the air conditioning during those hot summer months can leave you surprised when you get your utility bill. Here are some ways you can keep from running your air conditioning and still cool off.
Fans
Got a ceiling fan? Use it! Fans can make a room feel up to seven degrees cooler, and they use substantially less electricity than the air conditioner. If you have ceiling fans, make sure they are spinning counterclockwise so the blades push cooler air down. This is the best ceiling fan direction since it makes the air feel cooler than it is. If you don’t have a ceiling fan, you can buy portable, oscillating fans. Putting them in the corner of the room and setting it to oscillate is a great way to spread the airflow.
Close Your Blinds
Although it’s nice to let the sunshine in, remember that it’s also heating up your apartment. On particularly hot days, keeping your blinds closed will help to keep your apartment cooler.
Turn Off Heat-Generating Power Sources
On hot days, if you need to cook, try to avoid using the oven. Use the stovetop, microwave, or grab a bite out. Running electronics like your computer and TV for extended periods of time will omit a lot of heat so turn them off and unplug when they aren’t in use. It also helps to close the doors of rooms you don’t use, as it makes the cool air circulate easier.
Cool Yourself Down
Cool Yourself DownIt actually helps to cool yourself if your apartment is feeling stifling. Take a cool shower. Wear light clothing. Drink lots of water. If your apartment community has a pool, take a refreshing swim. At night, avoid using the comforter and invest in “summer” bedding such as cooling sheets and pillows. You could also purchase a cooling mattress pad.
Clean or Change Your Air Filters
Clean or Change Your Air FiltersAir filters trap dust and other pollutants, but if yours haven’t been changed or cleaned, your air filters may be making your apartment warmer, while your HVAC system works harder. If you’re not sure how to clean or change them, put in a maintenance service request at your apartment community.
Want to Use Your A/C? Control Your Thermostat
Irvine Company Apartment Homes has installed Nest thermostats in many of their apartment homes. And utilizing the setting features can easily help you save money on running your air conditioning since it consistently regulates the temperature of your home. For instance, the Early-On feature cools to reach your optimal temperature by a time you select. You can also set the Safety Temperatures feature, which prevents your home from going above or below certain temperatures. There’s also a handy Nest app, so you can control the temperature of your home anywhere, anytime. The best tip is to adjust your thermostat when leaving the apartment.
To conserve energy, the preferred setting is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. While this is rather warm, using this setting in tandem with the other above tips such as closing the blinds and turning on fans should help to cool your apartment even further. If you come back to your home after working all day or being out, avoid the temptation to set it from a high temperature to a much lower temperature (like 60 degrees) as it won’t cool your home any faster (it actually takes longer) and will make your unit overwork. You may even incur additional charges.
Looking for an apartment in California? From Orange County to San Diego, Los Angeles, and Northern California, Irvine Company Apartment Communities has studio to three-bedroom apartments and townhomes feature distinctive character, luxury finishes, and modern, tech-forwarded conveniences.
