As the weather heats up outside, your building’s HVAC unit will have to work harder to cool your apartment and the apartments all around you. While our award-winning maintenance team takes excellent care of our units year round, muggy, hot summers in Coastal Virginia can push even our top of the line systems to their limits.
When HVAC units have to work overtime, your electrical bill also pays a price. If you’ve ever received a skyrocketing bill in July, you know how much of a dent it can put into your monthly cash flow. This summer, take steps to keep your apartment cooler without having to turn your thermostat down even one degree.
Simple actions like keeping blinds and curtains drawn during the day and avoiding use of your oven or stove on hot days can make a lasting difference in how cool your home feels. When you feel cooler, you’re less likely to be reliant on your air conditioning 24/7.
Here are simple tips to keep your apartment cool without raising your electric bill.
Block the Sun
On hot, sunny days when you’re at work or the beach, close the blinds and curtains before you leave to prevent the sun from streaming into your home and warming up your rooms. If you’re home during the day, consider just closing blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day – roughly 12 pm to 3 pm.
Adjust Your Thermostat
When you aren’t home or while sleeping at night, consider turning your thermostat up to 78 degrees – an optimal temperature to keep your home cool without taxing your unit. Try to avoid turning your thermostat down below 72 or 73 degrees even on hot days, to help conserve energy and keep your unit working efficiently.
Avoid Using Hot Appliances
Some appliances can create a lot of heat in your home, like your oven, stove, dishwasher and dryer. On hot days, try to avoid using your oven or stove as much as possible, and when you do, aim to use it during the coolest times of day. When you must use your dishwasher and dryer, try to use those in the evenings, when the sun has gone down.
Utilize Fans
Take advantage of your ceiling fans and even portable fans to help maximize air flow and cool the rooms you’re in. You’ll use far less energy and substantially cool down your space.
Choose Lighter Bedding/Dress Appropriately
Be sure to switch out your bedding to lighter sheets and blankets that will help you sleep comfortably during hot weather months. Dress for hot weather by sleeping in lighter clothes that breathe well, rather than dressing in your favorite flannel pajamas or fleece sweatpants. You’ll be cooler and more comfortable without even looking at your thermostat.