Have you ever found yourself stopping in the middle of the room and wondering, “Why is my apartment so hot?” You may not know it, but there are things in your apartment that make the temperature rise, even if you have your thermostat set lower than usual. To help you battle the heat, it’s important that you know what makes your apartment so hot and what you can do to fix it. Continue reading to find out!
Key Takeaways in this Blog
- The location of your apartment – top floor or sun-facing – your exposure to direct heat.
- Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that you have a properly working air conditioning system as required by the warranty of habitability.
- Fans, thick curtains, and LED lighting can help lessen the heat and warmth in your apartment.
1. You Live on the Top Floor
Coming from our experience in Austin property management, we know that the Texas heat can sometimes be grueling. But did you know that there’s more to blame for the heat in your apartment than the Texas summer?
Now, one of the reasons why your apartment feels hot is that your unit is located on the top-most floor of your building. Because of this, your apartment is more exposed to the direct beating of the sun, making you feel it more than the units below you. To help with this, we suggest using ceiling fans to help push the hot air away and help your HVAC circulate colder air more efficiently.
2. South- or West-Facing Windows
Another possible reason why your place feels hot is that you have big sun-facing windows. While these can bode well for natural light, massive south or west-facing windows can cause your apartment to feel hot with the direct sunlight. Luckily, there’s a simple solution. Putting up some curtains or blinds can act as a buffer and block the heat from the sun coming in from your windows.
3. Poor Insulation and Old Windows
Another common problem that can make your apartment feel hot is poor insulation. If you live in a relatively old building, chances are that the installed insulation has degraded over time. Aside from that, old buildings with old windows are prone to drafts and poor sealing. When this happens, not only does more heat get through, but cool air also escapes.
Applying weatherstripping, caulk, or draft stoppers are renter-friendly solutions for this. However, for more serious insulation problems, it’s best to report this to your landlord for a more permanent fix.
4. Undersized or Dirty AC Unit
If your apartment is not cooling properly, even with your AC blasting to the max, this may be because your air conditioning system is not in the best condition. A common issue is that your AC unit is too small for the size of your apartment. If that’s the case, getting a more powerful air conditioning unit can help alleviate the heat problem.
Now, another potential problem is that your AC unit is simply dirty. When your AC’s filter is filled with dust and debris, it affects its efficiency and performance. If you notice persistent performance issues even after cleaning your air filters, contact your landlord and request a comprehensive AC cleaning for your apartment.
5. Appliances & Lighting Add Extra Heat
You may not know it, but the number of appliances and lighting you have in your apartment contributes to the heat that you feel in your space. Light fixtures radiate heat, and so do common household appliances, such as your refrigerator, oven, computer, and TV.
To help alleviate your heat problem, consider using your stove or oven during cooler times of the day. And if you want to keep the lights on at night, try switching to LED lights, which generate less heat than your typical incandescent bulbs. Doing this will not only help with the heat, but can also lower the cost of utilities!
6. Not Enough Airflow or Circulation
Sometimes, the reason why your apartment feels hot is not exactly because of the heat, but dry and stagnant air. That is why airflow and proper air circulation are crucial, especially for apartments with cramped spaces. If that’s the case, using fans around the room is an easy way to help circulate the air. Opening up your windows and interior doors can also allow air to flow from room to room.
7. Curtains That Don’t Block Heat
Curtains do more than add to the aesthetics of your apartment. If you have large windows that let in a lot of light, using thin or sheer curtains may not be enough to prevent heat from coming through. To avoid this, use thick blackout or thermal curtains instead of sheer ones. These could effectively insulate your apartment and keep the warmth from the sun out.
8. Humidity Makes It Feel Worse
Texas can not only be hot, but summers can be brutally humid as well. Humidity levels in Texas average around 67%, which can make the air feel sticky, and muggy. When this happens, not only do you feel warmer, but your rental is also at risk of mold and mildew problems. In order to get rid of the humid air in your apartment, you can use dehumidifiers to help pull out the excess moisture.
Find Comfort with Bay Property Management
No one wants to live in an excessively hot apartment. But in order to address any heat issue, you need to know what’s causing your apartment to feel so hot all the time. Whether it’s the direct sunlight or your undersized AC unit, there are ways for you to make your apartment a much cooler space to be in.
Looking for a new apartment? We at Bay Property Management can help! As one of the leading property management firms in Austin, we have an expansive portfolio of apartments in the area. Connect with us to find out how we can help you find your next home!
