According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, we spend about 11% of our income on utilities. A majority of that percentage goes toward energy.

Making small changes to our energy consumption can drastically reduce these costs. However, in the summer, costs often rise due to unbearably high temperatures and our need for AC.

If you the hot summer in Fort Wayne is upping your AC and your electric bill, here are some tips to help keep your apartment’s energy bill affordable during the summer without sacrificing cooling.

Raising Temperatures

When you leave for the day, to run errands or go to work, try to set a reminder for yourself to raise the temperature a few degrees. A huge mistake is keeping the AC running when we aren’t home.

Don’t raise the temperature too much, you don’t want to come home to a hot apartment. A change of a few degrees each day, however, can have a big effect on your monthly bill. 

This strategy can be used at night, too. When the sun goes down, the temperature outside will lower, as will the temperatures inside.

Blackout Blinds and Curtains

Picking out decor for apartment living can help you conserve energy, such as accessorizing your windows with blinds or curtains.

Blackout blinds block the sun and reduce the amount of heat that enters your home. Contrary to their name, they come in a variety of colors to match your apartment’s interior design.

An alternative to blackout blinds are thermal curtains. These curtains cover the windows and improve insulation. They act as a barrier to heat in the summer, yet retain the heat in the winter.

Unplug the Appliances

You may assume that your appliances won’t utilize energy so long as they aren’t turned on. However, when appliances are plugged in but not being used, they consume “phantom” energy. Depending on the number of appliances you have, this can end up as a costly addition to your energy bill.

Additionally, some appliances have features that run all day. A DVD player, for example, might use energy to display the time. Unplugging appliances that aren’t essential help reduce energy costs.

Maintaining Air Flow

It’s super helpful to clean the filters on your air conditioning unit. With dirty filters, air won’t circulate as effectively, and your unit will have to work much harder to keep your apartment cool.

An air conditioner that is constantly running can be a huge hit to your energy bill.

Rely on Ceiling Fans

Apartment living is beneficial, but smaller spaces can be harder to cool.

Utilize ceiling fans, which don’t have the same effect as your air conditioning unit. It doesn’t work to make the air cooler. Instead, it circulates the air in the room and creates a breeze which allows you to feel cooler.

A ceiling fan requires a very minimal amount of energy. Using it instead of, or in combination with, your AC can help lower energy bill costs. 

Alternative Light Bulbs

Using energy-efficient light bulbs not only work toward lowering energy bill costs, but help keep your apartment cool. LED and CFL bulbs use less power and generate less heat than standard bulbs without compromising your desired lighting.

Consume Consciously

These are just a few potential tips for cooling without the cost. It may take attempting each strategy to discover which one works and best fits your lifestyle. Even utilizing one of the above tips is sure to save you money on your next energy bill.

If you’re interested in other tips on apartment community living, check out the rest of our blog! If you’re located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, contact us for information on available units!