10 Ways to Keep an Apartment Cool in Summer

It’s officially summertime, which means the days are getting hotter, and we all need to find ways to get and stay cool. If you have central air conditioning or you’re set up with an AC unit or two, you might be basking in long sleeves and blankets right now. But, if you’re like many apartment dwellers, you might not have the luxury of constant cold air and need some ideas for keeping a room cool in summer.

If you don’t have an air-conditioner—or you’re looking for ways to keep your energy costs down—here are some great ways to cool down your apartment and keep it comfortable on a hot summer day.

1. If you don’t have a full air-conditioner unit or and getting one isn’t in the cards for you, invest in a portable AC or even a good tower fan. Many models are under $100 and can cool an entire room within minutes.

2. Avoid using heat-producing appliances like the oven, stove, dishwasher, or indoor grill. The heat and steam they produce can add to the already hot or sticky air. If you need to use these, do so in the evening when it’s cooler. Or better yet, cook outside!

3. Buy some sun-blocking curtains or at least ones that are lightly colored and won’t absorb the heat of the sun. Keep blinds and curtains closed during peak sun times.

4. Unplug any electronics or appliances you do not use regularly—think second TVs, toaster ovens, laptops, computer monitors, etc. Even small electronics can give off additional heat and contribute to an overall sense of being too hot.

5. Drink plenty of ice water and stick to uncooked or cold foods. Use summer as an opportunity to learn some new recipes, from hearty salads and cold soups like gazpacho to simple sandwiches and more complex dishes like homemade sushi.

6. Keep closet doors and doors to less-used rooms closed. You want to keep any cool air you do have directed toward you and the people in your home. So, don’t let it go to waste cooling down a closet or cooling your guest bathroom.

7. Prep for bedtime by swapping in some linen or cotton sheets, buying a cooling pillow, and freezing a cooling eye mask. You can put a cold compress on the back of your neck, too, for some additional cooling.

8. If you have a ceiling fan, run it counterclockwise for maximal airflow. Most fans have a small switch on the base that allow you to switch the direction of the blades. Running the fan counterclockwise creates a cooling effect by pushing up the cool air.

9. Open your windows at night to replace the old, hot air with new, cooler air. Help the fresh air circulate around your home with a ceiling fan or tower fan if you have one.

10. Remember to focus more on the temperature of your body than on the temperature of a room or home. Stay hydrated, don’t be afraid of quick cold shower, wear loose and breathable clothing, and apply an ice pack or wet cloth to your pulse points, such as your wrists, temples, ankles, backs of knees, and neck. 

At Wimmer Communities, whether you’re enjoying a summer breeze on your patio, prepping a meal in your state-of-the-art kitchen, or staying cool by the community pool, you’re sure to find your summertime bliss here.

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