It's (really) hot outside.
Stay cool and save money.
The summer season has barely begun, and most of the country’s temperatures already appear firmly plastered somewhere between ‘pizza oven’ and ‘surface of the sun’ hot. It’s a summer experience that isn’t likely to let up, as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts this summer could be a repeat of last year, which was the hottest in more than 2,000 years for the Northern Hemisphere.
Most look for a reprieve from the heat in their residences, but there is a price to pay for wanting to stay cool during the summer. High electricity pricing means running your air conditioning will cost you, as your home HVAC unit works hard to fight off the record-setting outdoor temperatures.
So, how can you stay cool and not completely abandon your budget? The U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 78 degrees to stay comfortable while saving money. But, if you’re one who thinks that sounds a bit on the toasty side, what other options are there? Here are some tips to help from our friends at Apartmentguide:
Open windows during the morning hours. Take advantage of cooler morning temperatures by opening your windows and allowing fresh air to circulate throughout your apartment.
Close curtains and blinds to prevent your apartment or condo from heating up and reduce the need for your air conditioner to work harder than necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Use fans. Ceiling or portable fans help distribute cool air and make us feel cooler without lowering the thermostat temperature.
Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms. If you’re using incandescent bulbs, consider replacing them with energy-efficient LED lights, which use less energy and last longer.
Run full loads of dishes on an energy-efficient setting. Waiting until the dishwasher is full maximizes its efficiency. If your dishwasher has an energy-saving or eco-friendly option, you should utilize it. Heating water uses a lot of electricity, and your dishwasher produces some heat which will warm your unit.
Optimize when and how you wash laundry. If you have an in-unit washing machine and dryer, wash full loads and use cold water when possible to save energy. Most modern washing machines offer energy-efficient settings.
Try to avoid using your oven. Ovens generate significant heat, which makes your apartment or condo warmer. Consider less heat-intensive cooking methods, such as a microwave, slow cooker, or toaster oven.
Check windows and doors. Inspect your windows and doors for any gaps or cracks that could allow warm air to enter your apartment and cool air to escape.
