Keep Cool When You Rent

May 28, 2008 By Tisha Kulak

Summer heat can take a toll on everyone and make for a long summer season. Many tips for cooling your home and apartment complex making it more energy efficient are easy to find. But what if you can’t afford the renovations or if you live in rental property you can not change?

Here are some ways to keep the level of your electric bill from rising along with the heat index.

Keep Heat Where it Belongs

One of the first fixes for keeping your living space cooler is to make sure you are keeping the heat outdoors in the first place. Sunlight pouring through the windows all day long will surely bring the temperature indoors up considerably. Keep the shades drawn or the curtains closed during the day to keep out the sun. There are various types of inexpensive curtains or shades that can be found in the event your landlord won’t foot the bill. If you discover there are gaps around windows or doors, ask the landlord to address the issue or use a chalk to fill in the spaces.

Maintain Air Conditioners

If you provide your own air conditioning unit in your rental or if your landlord does not otherwise maintain the one you have access to, you should make the effort to keep it clean and operating efficiently as possible, especially if you pay for electricity. Monthly maintenance should include changing the filter each month. Disposable filters are inexpensive and easy to change.

No A/C?

Research proves that any circulating air passing over your skin will keep you cool. If your lease does not allow you to install ceiling fans to keep air moving, purchase floor or table fans to keep the air moving around the room. Fans nowadays are relatively inexpensive and still a very effective way to keep your cool.

Keep the Doors Closed

Any rooms that you are not occupying should have their doors closed and vents shut to limit the amount of space you are trying to keep cool.

Change Your Diet

Often during the summer, people naturally prefer to eat lighter meals. The less heavy foods you eat, the less energy your body has to expend during digestion, thus creating less heat. Eating fresh fruits and veggies will not only help you keep cool, it will also keep you healthy. Plus, such foods are also relatively inexpensive and easy to find during the season.