5 Eco-Friendly Tips for Staying Cool This Summer | New York City

There’s no doubt that NYC summers are hot and humid. The temptation to blast the air-conditioning 24/7 in your house or apartment is certainly strong!

This summer, stay cool while helping to preserve the environment with these eco-friendly tips.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you have a central heating and cooling system, your first step should be to upgrade your thermostat. Look for a model that can be programmed to keep your apartment cooler during the hours you’re home and warmer when you’re away.

If you already have a programmable thermostat, consider purchasing a smart thermostat. The highly-rated Nest Learning Thermostat programs itself and can be controlled from your smart phone. This easy to install thermostat learns what temperatures you like and builds a personalized schedule. Simply spend a few days teaching it what your temperature preferences are, and within a week, it will start adjusting on its own.

Image Source: Flickr/StarsApart

While You’re Away

If you have a window A/C unit, it’s tempting to keep it running all day. After all, who doesn’t love returning to a cool apartment after a sweaty subway commute? When you’re going to be away longer than an hour though, turn it off. You’ll save a ton of energy (not to mention money), and a good unit should cool down your apartment quickly when you return.

To help keep your apartment as cool as possible while the A/C is off, close all your windows. Then make sure east and west exposed windows are covered with blinds and curtains. The curtains will help block the hot sun from entering your apartment.

Cool Down at Night

Once nighttime arrives, feel free to open those windows you kept closed and covered during the day. The cooler air will make your apartment more comfortable, especially if there is a breeze.

A fan placed in front your window will pull in the cool air, as well as make sleeping more comfortable.

Image Source: Flickr/Kenneth Lu

Avoid Heating Up Your Home with Appliances

Another one of our eco-friendly tips is to avoid using your stove, oven, dishwasher, and clothes dryer, especially during hot daylight hours. These machines produce a lot of heat, and your apartment gets warmer as the appliance does.

Instead of turning on your stove or oven, try making a simple, no cook meal. You’ll find plenty of inspiration on Pinterest. When dinner is done, wash and dry those dishes by hand. It will only take a minute, and your apartment will keep cool.

Choose the Correct Air Conditioner

When purchasing a new air conditioner, it sure is tempting to choose the biggest unit available. You may end up wasting energy if you do so though. Instead, purchase a unit based on your apartment’s square footage.

To keep your A/C functioning at its best, clean the filter every month. Save energy and money by keeping the temperature set as high as you can stand. Wear cooler clothing and grab an icy beverage when you’re tempted to crank it up!