As the temperatures rise, so do our energy bills, especially for apartment dwellers. However, whether you live in apartments in Phoenix, Arizona, or a home in Tampa, Florida, with a few simple adjustments to your daily routine and habits, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills during the summer months.
This ApartmentGuide article unveils nine apartment energy-saving tips to help you keep cool without breaking the bank. Now, let’s get started.
1. Open windows during the morning hours
Take advantage of cooler morning temperatures by opening your windows to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your apartment. This natural cooling method can help reduce your reliance on air conditioning later in the day.
2. Close curtains and blinds
During the hottest parts of the day, Aimee Skrzekut, president of Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, recommends keeping your curtains and blinds closed to block out direct sunlight. This will prevent your apartment from heating up and reduce the need for your air conditioner to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
3. Set the thermostat to 78 degrees and use fans
Ambar Orantes with LA Heating Air Conditioning suggests setting your “thermostat around 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home and adjusting it to 85 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re away. Be sure to utilize ceiling fans or portable fans to help distribute cool air more efficiently. Fans create a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler without having to lower the thermostat temperature.”
Troy Morgan with PanTech Design shares how “pre-cooling during summer months can help you save 15% on your energy bill.” He explains that you can do this by “cooling the apartment early in the morning…and then setting the thermostat to a more normal temperature.”
4. Turn off lights when you’re not home and opt for LED lighting
Make it a habit to turn off lights in unoccupied rooms to save energy. Additionally, Petar with NY Energy Project suggests replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with “energy-efficient LED lights”, which consume less electricity and last longer.
5. Run full loads of dishes with an energy-efficient setting
Wait until your dishwasher is full before running it to maximize its efficiency. Use the energy-saving or eco-friendly setting, if available, to reduce water and energy consumption during the dishwashing cycle.
6. Optimize when and how you wash laundry with energy-efficient settings
Wash your laundry in full loads and use cold water whenever possible to save energy. Most modern washing machines offer energy-efficient settings that use less water and electricity while still providing effective cleaning results.
7. Try to avoid using your oven
Ovens can generate a significant amount of heat, which can make your apartment warmer and cause your air conditioner to work harder. Shannon Hernandez, owner of BrightLife Electric in Reno, Nevada, recommends opting for cooking methods that produce less heat, such as using a microwave, slow cooker, or toaster oven.
8. Check that your windows and doors are properly sealed
Inspect your windows and doors for any gaps or cracks that could allow warm air to enter your apartment and cool air to escape. Seal any leaks with weather-stripping or caulking to improve energy efficiency and reduce air conditioning costs.
9. Assess your options on electricity plans
Christine Ji with LowerEbill recommends that you research different electricity plans offered by utility providers in your area to find one that best suits your energy consumption habits and budget. She shares how “families in deregulated states can achieve substantial savings.” Consider plans with lower rates during off-peak hours or those that offer incentives for reducing energy usage.
Try these energy-saving tips all summer
By incorporating these nine apartment energy-saving tips into your daily routine, you can enjoy a cooler and more comfortable living space while reducing your environmental footprint and saving money on your utility bills this summer. Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to energy efficiency, so start implementing these tips today to reap the benefits tomorrow.