I live on the third floor, and I'm struggling to keep my apartment cool. My AC is set to 68°F, but it's still 76°F inside. I have a fan in my room and a ceiling fan running in the living room. I've closed the bathroom vent and shut the door to try to keep the cool air in. Right now, I've put blankets over the windows since I can't afford curtains. I've also used cardboard to cover the bottom of two windows, and I have a sliding glass door as well. What else can I do to cool down my apartment without racking up the electric bill? Would using black trash bags be a better solution?
4 Answers
Black trash bags might help block out some heat, but make sure they're sealed well so they don't let in any light. If you have the option, try to get reflective window film or even just aluminum foil to cover your windows. It may also help to avoid using appliances that generate heat during the hottest parts of the day. Just be mindful that any solution has to work within your budget!
First off, it's great you're using fans to help circulate air, but remember that fans cool people, not rooms. If you can, try to reposition your fans to blow directly on you, especially at night. Also, consider using ice packs – putting one near you in bed, maybe around your neck or knees, can help cool you down. Just be careful with the moisture!
If you have central air, make sure your vents are not blocked and that airflow is good throughout the apartment. You can also consider investing in a dehumidifier which can help make the environment feel cooler even with the current temperature.
Check to see if you need to change your AC filter or add more freon, as that could be affecting efficiency. A clean filter helps your unit run better. Even simple stuff like keeping your blinds closed during the day can help reduce heat from the sun. If you have any leaky windows, taping those up could help too!
Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely check the filter and see about the blinds.