Staying Cool In Apartment Life

[mtrent]

I live in an apartment building and using my air conditioner all the time tend to really run up my utility bill. My question is what can I do to stay cool? Early in the morning when it is cool I do open my door and let the cool air in, but by mid afternoon it is sooo incredibly hot outside that I must close my door turn on the a/c. At night I run the a/c because I do not want to leave my door open due to who know who would come walking in. I live on the ground level - in an end apartment. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

[berlinlife06]

Hmmm, that is difficult. Have you tried using a fan instead when is not as hot? Keeping the air flowing might help. Don't you have any windows? When I was a student without any money, I used the fan and sprayed water over me... it was refreshing!

[Green-Moo]

You need to close your door and windows BEFORE it gets hot, otherwise the heat is already in. Is your home insulated well? Because insulation will keep out heat as well as cold.

[emiglia]

I agree with the above poster... insulating your apartment and keeping doors and windows shut/shades down will help. But if it's midday and your apartment is still too warm, try to create a cross-breeze with the windows or get a fan. Turn off appliances that heat (like your computer) when you're not using them as well.

[Serenity]

Try cooling yourself down too so you don't feel it as much. A cool shower can work wonders in the heat of the day. Placing bowls of water in rooms to help keep moisture in the air will make it not feel quite as uncomfortable either. You really do need a fan in every room you use to keep that air moving and preferably directed to where you're sitting, even if it's just a small 12 inch one you can put on top of a tabletop.

[mtrent]

Thanks for all the wonderful advice, hopefully it will work.

[emiglia]

I also just remembered that when I was younger and at camp, the most coveted present for parents to bring were these little squirt bottles with a tiny fan. The fan did nearly nothing, but when combined with water, it was fantastic! They sell them at megamarts for a very low price and they're battery operated. Alternatively, you could just get a spray bottle and spritz yourself with water while sitting in front of a regular fan, but I think this is so much more fun.

[Green-Moo]

I'm trying to imagine the fun (and mess!) my kids would have with a squirt bottle and a fan! I think that is one suggestion I will not be implementing LoL

[mtrent]

Originally Posted by Green-Moo

You need to close your door and windows BEFORE it gets hot, otherwise the heat is already in. Is your home insulated well? Because insulation will keep out heat as well as cold.

Green I have taken your advice and have been keeping my door shut. My major problem is that I had an increase in my utility bill of $18.00. I spoke with my land lord and showed her an huge crack within my door jam and hopefully she will keep her word and fix it for me.

[mtrent]

Originally Posted by Serenity

Try cooling yourself down too so you don't feel it as much. A cool shower can work wonders in the heat of the day. Placing bowls of water in rooms to help keep moisture in the air will make it not feel quite as uncomfortable either. You really do need a fan in every room you use to keep that air moving and preferably directed to where you're sitting, even if it's just a small 12 inch one you can put on top of a tabletop.

Thank you for your extra advice also. It just surprises me how a two room apartment can get so incredible hot. But I will try your suggestions and thank you once again.