Save on Air Conditioning for Your Houston Apartment

Houston is known for its balmy weather, and as May moves on into June, we'll be seeing more 90-degree days, and some days with temperatures over 100. Air conditioning is not a luxury in a Houston apartment, but it can be a major expense. In last August's heat, we gave you some tips on keeping cool in Houston. Here are a few more ways you can save money while staying comfortable this summer:

Keep cooling in mind during your apartment hunt

·      Do you need central air conditioning, or would you be happy with a wall or window AC unit? Wall or window units can be much more efficient than central air. If you choose an apartment with a wall or window unit, make sure the unit has an EER (energy efficiency ratio) of 11 or higher. A higher EER number means a more efficient unit, and lower energy bills for you.

·      If the apartment you're looking at has central air, check the air conditioner's SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) number. A SEER number of 13 or higher is recommended. As with wall units, the higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner will be.

·      Check doors and windows. Do they close tightly? Drafts lose you money on cooling as well as heating. The better insulated your apartment is, the more efficient your AC will be.

·      Look for a programmable thermostat. You can set it to keep your home cool when you're home, and turn off the air conditioning when you're away. Once you've set the schedule, you can save money without even thinking about it.

·      Also look for ceiling fans, which pull warm air up and away so your air conditioner doesn't have to work so hard. Cooling with fans is more energy efficient than cooling with AC alone.

·      Consider the landscaping. Shade trees and shrubs just outside your home can help keep things cooler.

Once you're in your new apartment

·      Install drapes that can be closed over the windows on the sunniest side of your home.

·      If you have a balcony or patio, consider growing tall plants near the door to increase the shade.

·      Whether you have central air conditioning or a wall unit, make sure the filters are changed monthly to keep your AC running at top efficiency.

Make sure your landlord or manager cleans the air conditioner's condenser, which is located outside the building, once every year.