Heating & Cooling Efficiency

Heating and cooling typically account for the largest portion of energy use in homes. In apartments, you may have less control over your HVAC system, but there's still much you can do to stay comfortable while using less energy.

Heating Efficiency

Thermostat Management

How you set your thermostat has a significant impact:

• Find the lowest comfortable temperature and use that as your baseline
• Lower the setting when sleeping or away
• Programmable or smart thermostats automate setbacks
• Avoid dramatic swings—gradual changes work better

Work with Your Heating System

• Forced air: Keep vents clear of furniture and rugs
• Radiators: Don't block with furniture; use reflectors behind them
• Baseboard: Keep clear of obstructions for airflow
• Space heaters: Heat only occupied rooms if central heat isn't efficient

Retain Heat

• Close curtains at night to reduce heat loss through windows
• Open curtains on sunny windows during the day to gain free heat
• Seal drafts around windows and doors
• Keep interior doors open to allow heat circulation (unless isolating rooms)

Personal Warmth

Keeping yourself warm takes less energy than heating the entire space:

• Dress in layers—sweaters, warm socks, slippers
• Use blankets when sitting or sleeping
• Warm beverages provide internal warmth
• Electric blankets or heating pads use minimal energy for personal comfort

Cooling Efficiency

Air Conditioning

• Set to the highest comfortable temperature
• Use a fan to help circulate cool air
• Clean or replace filters regularly for better airflow
• Close blinds and curtains on sunny windows
• Don't cool unoccupied rooms

Reduce Heat Gain

Preventing heat from entering is more efficient than removing it:

• Block direct sun with curtains, blinds, or reflective films
• Avoid using heat-generating appliances during the hottest hours
• Use exhaust fans when cooking to remove hot air
• Switch to LED bulbs (they generate less heat than incandescent)

Natural and Passive Cooling

• Cross ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides when outside air is cooler
• Night cooling: Open windows at night, close in the morning to trap cool air
• Fans: Ceiling fans or portable fans make you feel cooler without lowering air temperature

Personal Cooling

• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Stay hydrated
• Cool your pulse points with cold water
• Use a fan directed at yourself rather than cooling the whole room

Year-Round Strategies

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks waste energy in both heating and cooling seasons:

• Check windows and doors for drafts
• Weatherstripping and door sweeps are renter-friendly
• Seal gaps around pipes, outlets, and other penetrations
• See our draft sealing guide

Window Treatments

• Thermal curtains help in both summer and winter
• Cellular shades provide insulation
• Reflective films reduce summer heat gain
• See our window efficiency guide

Maintain Your Systems

• Replace or clean filters regularly
• Keep vents and radiators clear
• Report HVAC problems to landlord promptly
• Have systems serviced as recommended