Cost efficient way to cool down an apartment?

[JustinM]

Hey guys,


We are trying to think of ways to cool down our apartment this summer without using the air conditioning all the time. What are some of the ways you do this?

[KeithPA]

1. Leave your computer off unless using it, same for TVs, they put off alot of heat
2. Lower the setting on the fridge, that way the radiator will not run as often, which puts off alot of hot air
3. Run fans, obviously
4. Replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Remember that incandescant lights put off 90% heat and 10% light.

[LorDiego01]

Install ceiling fans.

And for good air flow, remember you must keep at least two windows open. It amazes me that a lot of people dont realize that for good air flow, you need an intake and an out take.

Also +1 on the computer. Keep them off when not using them, sometimes, when Im rendering some project, and I have all three computers running at the same time, my little home office turns into a damn sauna.

[xflyboy]

Install ceiling fans.

And for good air flow, remember you must keep at least two windows open. It amazes me that a lot of people dont realize that for good air flow, you need an intake and an out take.

if possble use a window exhaust fan to create a constant air flow
i live second floor apartment and keep a fan in a wondow pulling air though the house all summer with lots of windows open elsewhere

[Lycanthrope]

Keep the blinds closed. Greenhouse effect is bad.

[GRoPA]

According to Al Gore, you have no chance. You will never be able to cool your apartment because the earth is warming up and it's all because of my gas hog truck.

[762xIan]

When you are NOT home, make sure all this stuff is off also.

When you do run your AC, make sure the place is tight, window insulation, If you have a window AC, put it in a window that gets the most shade...it helps the condenser in the AC work more efficient.

Keep the filters clean also....Delta hit a biggie on the Fridge...when was the last time you cleaned the coils!??!!! Pull it out and get that vacuum back there and get all that dust out! That baby needs to breathe or it will run more than it should.

[LittleRedToyota]

Keep the blinds closed. Greenhouse effect is bad.

+1

get some blinds that really keep all the light out.

open your windows at night and put a fan in one on one end of your apartment that pulls air in and another in a window on the other end that sends air out.

then, when you get up in the morning, close the windows and blinds (you really want as close to zero sunlight coming in as possible). don't open them again until it is dark out.

i find this works quite well.

[JustinM]

Thanks for the info guys.

What about getting cardboard cut to fit in my windows, and putting aluminum foil on the one side to reflect heat? Other than it making my apartment look like it's ready to fend off aliens, I think it might work.

[JayBell]

swamp cooler.

might help.

google it.