Are you looking for eco-friendly ways to keep your NYC apartment cool this summer? It’s totally possible, and relatively easy to do. Even if you have an air conditioner, there are ways that you can cut down on how often you use it by employing some energy-saving, heat-blocking techniques that will allow you to have the coolest apartment in town.

1. Use Ceiling Fans to Maximize AC

Ceiling fans are a beautiful and easy way to chill down sticky, super-hot NYC apartments. Fans help spread the cool air around, even when the air conditioning unit is turned off. This allows you to save money on electricity. You may only need to turn your air conditioner on long enough to cool down your home. Once the space is cool, turn off the AC and keep the fan going. And if the last thing you want to hang in your sleek Flatiron condo is an antique-looking ceiling fan, you’ll be pleased to know that there are tons of modern ceiling fan options that won’t clash with your aesthetic.

2. Open the Windows When Humidity Is Low

Keeping your windows open can help keep a nice breeze flowing through your rooms, but you have to make sure that you do this when the humidity is low. Keeping your windows open when it’s hot and humid outside will turn your apartment into a sauna. Keep your windows and doors sealed in order to keep heat and humidity out.

3. Use Dehumidifiers Wisely

A dehumidifier is great at sucking the moisture out of a hot room, but you should only use it when your AC isn’t running — since air conditioners cool air by dehumidifying it, running both at the same time is redundant and wastes energy. Note: Never use a humidifier and an air conditioner simultaneously. The humidifier will only increase the amount of cooling the AC will have to do, forcing it to work even harder.

4. Get White Window Shades

Here’s a trick that’s both eco-friendly and stylish: A white window shade is an excellent way to decrease the amount of heat that pours into a room. It will block out excess sun and heat, but it will keep the room bright thanks to its light color.

5. Repel Heat with Reflective Window Film

Like a superhero’s force field, reflective window film will keep the bad guy (the heat) out and the cool air in. Even better, it won’t block your view.

Image Source: Flickr

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