Finding the best temperatures in your first apartment can be tricky, especially if you weren’t allowed to touch the thermostat in your parents’ home. There are a few basic rules to selecting the right temperatures for you that won’t break the bank, are energy efficient, and will keep guests (and yourself!) comfortable. As always, test these out in your apartment to find the right temperature for you. Also remember, when a cold snap hits it’s time to protect your water pipes with these tips.
Winter: 68°F – 70°F
In winter, temperature must strike a balance between saving you money and keeping you healthy! During the winter, test out temps between 68 and 72 to see where you are most comfortable. You can always put on socks or a sweatshirt to stay warm, but don’t turn it so cold that you’re uncomfortable. If your place is too cold, it puts extra stress on your immune system and you can get sick easier. The flu season is not the time to experiment how low you could go!
Summer: 72°F – 75°F
This should feel reasonable with warmer weather. Remember, it’s more cost efficient to keep your apartment a little warmer in the summer (since it costs $$ to cool!). Plus, when you leave your apartment, be sure to turn your air conditioning off to save extra cash. Turn it on as soon as you walk in the door to get it started quickly!
And finally, a few quick tips to keep you comfy and cozy:
- Feeling a spot that’s way hot or way cold? Try opening the interior doors nearby! This allows air to flow more freely through your apartment, letting your thermostat, AC unit, or heater work more effectively.
- Need a specific space taken care of? Invest in a small fan or space heater for your bedroom, bathroom, or other space that gets uncomfortable. You can likely save a little money by adjusting your thermostat and reducing your energy bill, too!
- Sometimes there are more issues with larger apartments! Be patient as you adjust your thermostat or air conditioners to meet your needs. If you need to move them around for best results, ask your landlord.
- Energy bill higher than expected? Check with your landlord for tips specific to your apartment. There may be certain ways they recommend you leave your blinds or curtains or be able to provide some extra insulation in the space.
- Feeling a little chilly? Toss on a sweatshirt or blanket before heading straight to your heater. If you notice feeling cold over a day or two, it may be time to adjust it up.
hello. i responding to a ad on craiglist regarding a room for rent in santa monica, alittle about me im a hair stylist in california, i work at two salons one in santa monica, other in burbank, i put in for a transfer to the pacific palasades, so lm looking to move somewhere close by. i can be reached at 409 370 6387 thank you
Hey Ryan! In a small apartment, this has worked quite well and saved me money on the bill over time. Of course, it depends on how long you’ll be gone. If you’re running a quick errand, you may not see the benefit. But, I’ve found that turning the A/C off (or up to 80+) during the work day will keep my bill lower than running it all day. It’s also important to consider any pets in your apartment before shutting it off completely. Thanks for the comment!
“Plus, when you leave your apartment, be sure to turn your air conditioning off to save extra cash. Turn it on as soon as you walk in the door to get it started quickly!”
This actually results in the AC having to work *significantly* harder than if it were left on to simply maintain a certain temperature, and will result in greater energy consumption. Doing this is all sacrifice, no gain.