When the temperatures outside begin to increase, you start to use your air conditioning and your energy bill begins to rise as well. However, if you live in an apartment, you may think that you are limited on how you can save money on your energy bill. After all, it’s not like you can tune up the air conditioning unit or replace your windows for energy savings. But there are many different ways you can lower your energy bill, even in an apartment. Here are five different ways you can stay cool and save money by lower your energy bill this summer.
Using Window Coverings
Using window coverings, such as blinds and draperies, can reduce the amount of heat that gets into your space by as much as 45 percent. This amount varies based on the amount of sun your unit gets and the type of materials used, but it can amount to a decrease in the temperature of your apartment. This can reduce the amount of time your air conditioner needs to run, which in turn can decrease your energy bill.
Turning the Thermostat up
Another great way to save money on your energy bill is to increase the temperature in your home by a couple of degrees. Sure, it may be hot out, but are you really going to notice if your home is one or two degrees warmer than what you normally keep it at? Most people won’t. But it can result in a huge cut in your energy bill. Also, if you have a programmable thermostat, learn how to use it. Increase the temperature by five or ten degrees when you aren’t in the home, and then set it to cool just before you arrive home.
Avoid Using the Oven and Dryer During the Hottest Part of the Day
When you use your oven or dryer, you heat up your apartment. Unfortunately, this may cause your air conditioner to kick in and have to cool your place down again. As such, try to avoid using your oven and dryer during the hottest parts of the day. This is typically two to five in the afternoon. If possible, do your laundry in the evenings or morning and pre-cook your oven meals.
Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
If you are looking to lower your energy bill any time of the year, take a look at the light bulbs that are in your apartment. If you are not energy-efficient light bulbs, you should consider making a change. Energy-efficient bulbs use about one quarter of the electricity that standard incandescent bulbs use. Additionally, these bulbs last longer as well, which can save you money on your light bulb replacement fund in the long run.
Unplug Electrical Devices that Aren’t In Use
The last way to save energy in an apartment is to unplug small electrical devices that aren’t in use. Items such as toasters, phone chargers and blow dryers should all be unplugged when they are not in use. Most people don’t realize that electrical items that are plugged in still drain energy. Because of this, it is important to walk around your apartment and unplug items that are rarely used. It isn’t worth it to unplug televisions or computers, as they take time to reboot and program, but smaller devices that can easily be unplugged and re-plugged in need to be.
As temperatures increase, so to do your energy bills. However, you can minimize how high they climb by using window coverings, turning the thermostat up, avoiding the use of dryers and ovens during the hottest part of the day, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and unplugging electrical devices that aren’t in use. This will help you to stay cool and save money this summer.
This article was written by a contributing writer
