Summer is here! And along with the blazing sun comes higher utility costs. Lowering your thermostat from 80 to 60 will not make your space cooler faster- rather this ensures that your system will run longer to reach your desired temperature. This, while a sure way to cool down your space, will leave you with a large bill at the end of the month.
There are a number of ways to cool your space without breaking the bank. Try out these five DIY and eco-friendly tips that will keep both you and your wallet comfortable and cool all summer.
Block Sunlight to Keep Your Apartment Cool
Sunrays most commonly enter a space through windows. The best way to stop these rays from heating up your home is to invest in blackout curtains or thermal drapes. Blackout curtains are made of fibers that specifically block light and, in some cases, noise. Thermal drapes give you the best of both worlds- they keep out the heat from the sun in the summer to keep your room cool, and in the winter, they maintain the heat to keep you warm.
If curtains and drapes are not your chosen form of home décor, simply shutting your blinds will help reduce the amount of sunrays that enters your space. These options present affordable ways to help you beat the summer heat.
Cool Your Apartment with Indoor Plants
Becoming a green thumb in the summer presents dual opportunity- you can pick up a new hobby while also saving money on your utilities! Placing apartment-friendly plants in front of your window will not only make your plants grow tall and strong but also block sunrays.
In addition to this, plants also release moisture in the air through transpiration, less formally called, “plant sweat.” During this process, plants cool the surrounding air which in turn makes your space cooler. If you want to stay cool on a budget this summer, grab your gloves and get gardening!
Pay Attention to Your Appliances
Whether you’re cooking dinner or catching up on loads of laundry, excessive appliance use can contribute to the high temperature of a room. Instead of using these machines in the middle of the day, running them early in the morning or later at night when the sun has set, is one way to cool off your space.
Another tip when you are not running these appliances is to unplug them completely. Even if you are not using the appliance, it can still generate heat simply from being plugged into an outlet. Unplugging, especially larger appliances, from the wall will not only save cool air, but also money!
Show Your Fans a Little Love
Fans are the number one way to stay cool without breaking the bank, but did you know the rotation of a fan has everything to do with keeping you cool? A fan spinning clockwise pulls air up and out of the room, keeping it warm, while a fan spinning counterclockwise pushes air downward, cooling the room by circulating the air. Double-checking the way in which your overhead fan spins is a simple way to ensure you’re cooling off your space effectively.
A hack to get the most out of your stationary or desk fan is to place a wet towel or cold water in front of it. In addition to this, strategically placing fans throughout a room can optimize air circulation and cooling. Being aware of your fans’ rotation and placement can help keep you cooler than you were before.
Cross Ventilation Can Cool Your Apartment Naturally
Cross ventilation is the act of natural cooling by opening doors and windows on opposite sides of the room to draw in fresh, cool air while releasing warm air. For this process to work, windows must be open on the windward side (the side that is facing the wind) and the leeward side (sheltered side). Having both windows open creates a natural airflow, essentially cooling and ventilating the room.
Another way you can improve air circulation throughout your room is closing all the doors in rooms you’re not using. This allows for fresher, cleaner air to circulate throughout your home.
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FAQs
How can I cool my apartment without AC?
There are several ways to cool your apartment without using the AC. Opening windows, using fans, checking your air filters, unplugging appliances that generate heat, and blocking sunrays are a few ways to keep your apartment cool without breaking the bank.
What plants can help cool my indoor space?
Besides improving air quality, many indoor plants can cool your home through moisture release. Plants like peace lilies, snake plants, spider plants, and aloe vera are just a few of many that can help improve and cool your home.
What if I don’t have windows on opposite sides of the room, how do I achieve cross ventilation?
If you don’t have opposite facing windows, cross ventilation can be achieved by placing fans on opposite sides of each other, with one facing a door to expel the stale air. This process can also be achieved with two opposite facing doors. If neither of these options are achievable, consider investing in an air purifier to help clear the air in your space.
