7 Ways to Keep Your Apartment Cool This Summer
With energy prices rising as fast as the temperature outside, it’s becoming more and more imperative to find energy-efficient ways to cool down this summer. Whether you have in-unit A/C or not, you’re likely looking for tips on how to keep your apartment cool during these 90-degree days! We’ve got top tips on how to cool your apartment down ASAP!
Block Out the Sun
We love natural light, too, but those open shades let that sun beat down into your space, which causes an increase in the temperature! Continue enjoying that sunlight in the mornings, but close those blinds during the hottest parts of the day! This will shade your apartment and keep the space down a few degrees when you need it most.
Optimize Airflow
Whether you’re working with A/C or just ceiling fans, make sure you’re not making them work harder than they need to! Shut doors to the spaces you’re not using, like bedrooms and bathrooms. This will make sure that cooler airflow is working to your advantage in the space you’re actually using.
Reset Your Ceiling Fans
Did you know that ceiling fan blades can change direction? The direction is meant to change with the season to make sure the cold and warm air are being pushed in the right direction! In winter, the fan blades should be moving clockwise to circulate warm air, but during summer, the blades should be moving counterclockwise to move cold air downward, creating what’s called “the windchill effect”. You can reset the direction by finding the switch on the fan’s body – simply flip the switch to the other side to reverse the blades!
Go Green
Not only are they aesthetically pleasing and trendy, but having houseplants can slightly reduce the temperature in your home! This won’t work well with a bunch of small houseplants or succulents, but with larger plants with big leaves, their breathing process can cool the air around them! In case you needed another excuse to snag that fiddle leaf fig plant you’ve been eyeing...
Bring the Air to You
If you’re really in a pinch with the heat, keep a portable fan near you no matter what room you’re in! Set it up in front of you on the coffee table or the floor in front of the couch while you binge your latest show or keep it close to your bed to help you sleep! With a variety of portable fans available at your nearest stores, you’re sure to find one that fits your space and budget!
Skip Cooking
Avoid using the oven or stove on the hottest days – both of these will ratchet up the temperature in your kitchen quickly! Instead, search for recipes for a crockpot, InstaPot, or grill! You can also opt for cooler style foods, like salads, wraps, or sandwiches. Just keep those appliances turned off as much as possible.
Switch Your Bedding
Still using those flannel sheets and heavy down comforters from winter? It’s time to swap those out for cooler options! Search for fabrics like cotton, linen, or eucalyptus for your bedding – these are lighter fabrics and allow for more airflow, making sure you don’t wake up in a sweat in the middle of the night.
Make sure you listen to your body during these warmer months, and take it easy in extreme temperatures! Stay hydrated, and try cool showers or the local public pool if you’re desperate for a cooldown.