How to keep your apartment cool in summer: Renter-friendly solutions

Key takeaways

• Simple strategies like closing blinds, using fans and limiting appliance use can help renters keep their apartment cool in summer without violating lease rules.
• Community amenities such as pools, lounges and shaded spaces offer alternative ways to stay comfortable when indoor cooling options are limited.
• During extreme heat or air-conditioning outages, renters should monitor for heat-related symptoms, contact their landlord and seek public cooling centers if needed.

Keeping your apartment cool in summer is a common challenge, especially when lease rules limit what you can change.

Cities and urban spaces get hotter in the summer because of all the pavement that absorbs heat. Shade from trees or other buildings can help cool down the city, but if your building is being hit directly by the sun then your cooling units will need to work harder to keep temperatures down.Costs for portable cooling devices and energy bills continue to rise, so knowing which strategies work best can save you money and discomfort.

Understanding why your apartment heats up helps you choose the right cooling methods. Apartments can get hot in summer because of sun exposure, poor insulation and limited airflow. These factors are especially noticeable on upper floors and in older buildings, where heat rises and lingers.

South- and west-facing windows let in the most heat during the day. If your apartment has large windows on these sides, sunlight can warm up your space quickly. Managing sunlight with blinds or curtains is one of the most effective cooling steps renters can take.

Concrete and brick walls hold heat, so cooling takes longer. Many rental units lack modern insulation, so outside heat can seep in and stay trapped. Shared walls and sealed windows limit how much fresh air moves through your apartment. Without good cross-ventilation, warm air builds up.

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Several proven methods can help you keep your apartment cool in summer. These focus on simple changes and daily habits that do not require landlord approval or permanent modifications.

Closing blinds and curtains at south- and west-facing windows from 10 a.m. until sunset is one of the most effective steps renters can take.

"The easiest ways to cool an apartment without A/C: keep the sun out during the day; flush it out at night; keep it locked in when it's cool in the morning; and put a bowl of ice in front of the fan for that extra cool breeze," said Rich Kingly, home improvement expert and owner of Driveway King based in Plainfield, New Jersey.

After sunset, open windows on opposite sides of your apartment to create a cross-breeze. Then shut them as the sun rises to lock in the cool morning air.

Blackout curtains can make up to a 15-degree difference in room temperature, Kingly said. For best results, mount reflective window film close to the pane to form a sealed air space and reduce heat buildup. Windows are one of the greatest sources of unwanted heat gain.

Renters should choose a removable, static-cling window film so it comes off cleanly when they move out. Removable window film is available at most home improvement stores and online retailers, typically for $10 to $30 per roll.

"Window treatments are significant to the reduction in heat ... due to the fact that windows represent one of the greatest sources of unwanted heat gain," said Swati Goorha, interior designer and founder and CEO of Swati Goorha Designs, based in New York City.

Quick tips:

• Close blinds and curtains at south- and west-facing windows from 10 a.m. until sunset.
• Mount reflective film close to the window pane to form a sealed space.
• Use white-backed blackout curtains to reflect heat.
• Install silver or mirror-finish window film for south-facing units.
• Keep window treatments closed during peak sunlight.

Proper fan use is one of the easiest ways for renters to cool an apartment without spending much. Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise in summer to push cool air down. Place box or oscillating fans near windows so they draw in cooler outside air.

Kingly also warned against two common fan mistakes: running fans in empty rooms, which wastes energy without cooling anyone, and pointing fans toward hot walls, which only pushes warm air back into the room.

Quick tips:

• After sunset, open windows on opposite sides for a cross-breeze.
• Shut windows as the sun rises to lock in cool morning air.
• Use cross-ventilation early morning and late afternoon or early evening.
• Set ceiling fans to counterclockwise.
• Place fans near windows to draw in cool outside air.
• Do not run fans in empty rooms.
• Do not point fans toward hot walls.

Everyday appliances can raise your apartment's temperature more than you might think. Switching to LED bulbs is a simple fix because LED bulbs produce far less heat than incandescent ones. Limit oven and stove use during the hottest parts of the day. Run dishwashers, laundry machines and other heat-producing devices in the morning or evening when temperatures are lower.

Appliances like ovens, refrigerators and computers add more heat to apartments than most renters expect. Unplugging electronics and small appliances when they are not in use reduces both heat output and energy costs.

Quick tips:

• Switch to LED bulbs.
• Limit oven and stove use during the day.
• Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use.
• Cook during morning or evening hours.
• Use exhaust fans while cooking.

Renters looking for low-cost ways to cool their apartment can try a few simple tricks. In older buildings or humid environments, a small dehumidifier that removes 10 to 20 pints per day can make a noticeable difference.

Kingly also recommended hanging a damp sheet in front of an open window to cool incoming air and using baking soda or rock salt to absorb excess moisture.

Quick tips:

• Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan.
• Hang a damp sheet in front of an open window.
• Use a dehumidifier in humid environments.
• Use baking soda or rock salt to absorb moisture.

When fans and window treatments are not enough, portable air-conditioning units give renters a stronger cooling option. These units can cool spaces between 150 and 500 square feet, Kingly said. Evaporative coolers are only suitable for areas with dry air and do not work well in humid climates.

Renters running a window AC unit should expect a higher electric bill. How much it costs depends on where you live, how long you run the AC and size of the machine. The average rate is 6 cents to 19 cents per hour, according to Angi. These devices are most efficient when used to cool a single room rather than an entire apartment.

"There are several things to consider when purchasing a unit; the most important being room size, how much energy it will use, the decibel rating of the unit and whether or not you have enough space to properly ventilate your cooling needs," Goorha said.

Many renters make small errors that keep their apartments hotter than necessary.

• Having windows open during the heat of the day lets hot air inside.
• Using dark curtains that absorb heat rather than reflect it.
• Leaving electronics plugged in and running, which generates extra heat.
• Using the oven to cook during the day, adding more warmth to the room.
• Not properly sealing doors and windows, allowing heat through gaps.
• Leaving blinds open when facing direct sunlight.
• Underestimating how much heat comes from appliances like refrigerators, computers and televisions.

• Set thermostat to 78 degrees F at home; raise it when away.
• Use fans ($0.50 to $1 per day) instead of air-conditioning ($3 to $5 per day) when possible.
• Make one room the "cool zone" instead of cooling the whole apartment.
• Delay dishwasher and laundry to off-peak hours.

Most leases do not permit permanent changes, but temporary upgrades are usually fine. Removable window film, blackout curtains, portable fans and draft stoppers are effective cooling tools that typically do not violate lease terms. These options are easy to install and remove when you move out.

Always check your lease before making any changes. If you want to install something that could alter the property, like a window unit or mounting hardware, get written approval from your landlord first.

In most states, landlords are required to provide heat, but air conditioning is generally not considered a habitability requirement. However, if AC is already included in your unit, the landlord is typically responsible for maintaining it. Laws vary by state and city, so check your local tenant rights resources.

If your apartment stays too hot despite your own efforts, it may be time to involve your landlord. Kingly said to approach the conversation in a friendly way and explain the effects on your health or ability to sleep. Suggest specific solutions, such as offering to help install window units if the landlord approves. Put your request in writing and include photos of heat-related issues.

Ask about maintenance items, like replacing filters to improve efficiency. If there is still no change, Kingly said to seek assistance from your local health department or code enforcement.

Quick tips:

• Be friendly and explain health or sleep impacts.
• Suggest specific solutions.
• Put requests in writing with photos of heat-related issues.
• Cite extreme indoor temperatures, maintenance issues and energy bill increases.
• Frame requests around comfort, efficiency and property value.
• Escalate to local health department or code enforcement if needed.

If your apartment's cooling options are limited, community amenities offer another way to lower your exposure to heat. Spending time in shared areas like pools, air-conditioned lounges, community rooms, business centers and shaded courtyards is a simple way to escape the heat, especially during the hottest parts of the day. These spaces are often cooler than individual apartments and can be used for work, relaxation or socializing. If you are looking for more options, explore apartments for rent that offer these amenities.

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