18 Energy Saving Tips for Small Apartments in Warm Climates

Staying cool in a small apartment during the hottest months doesn’t have to come with sky-high energy bills.

If you live in a warm climate, think Texas, Arizona, Southern California, or Florida, you already know how quickly the AC becomes your most expensive roommate.

But even as a renter with limited control over permanent upgrades, there’s still plenty you can do to cut energy use without sacrificing comfort. Let’s get into it.

1. Block the Sun Before It Bakes Your Apartment

When you’re in a smaller space, direct sunlight can quickly turn your living room into a sauna. The fix? Blackout curtains, cellular shades, or even thermal blinds. They might not look high-tech, but they seriously help.

• Best for renters: Look for tension rods or command hook curtain setups—no drilling needed.
• Bonus tip: Insulated drapes with white backing reflect more heat than dark ones.

2. Use Your Thermostat Like a Pro

Cranking the AC down to 68°F might feel amazing in the moment, but it drains energy—and your bank account.

Setting it to 78°F when you’re not home or asleep can shave around 3% off your bill for every degree above 75°F.

• Don’t fall for the myth: Lower settings don’t cool faster—they just run longer.
• Consider a programmable thermostat if your lease allows, or a portable smart one that doesn’t need hardwiring.

3. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Fans

Ceiling fans (if you have them) should spin counterclockwise during summer to create a wind-chill effect. No ceiling fan? A well-placed oscillating or tower fan works wonders.

• Combine with AC: Raise the thermostat a few degrees and let the fan handle the breeze.
• Turn them off when you leave—fans cool people, not air.

4. Take Care of Your AC Unit

Even if it’s just a window unit, maintenance makes a difference. Clean filters = better airflow = less energy use. Replace or rinse the filter every three months, or more often if you live in a dusty area.

For a full unit tune‑up, a local expert like 3 Guys A/C & Electrical can ensure your AC is running at peak efficiency.

Also, avoid placing heat-producing items like lamps or TVs near your thermostat. They can trick it into running longer than necessary.

5. Ventilate Where It Counts

After a hot shower, all that steam doesn’t just fog up your mirror—it raises your apartment’s overall humidity, which makes it feel hotter. Turn on the bathroom exhaust fan or crack a window.

If you have in-unit laundry, make sure the dryer vents properly, and consider skipping the heat altogether by air-drying.

Quick Cooling Reference Table

6. Switch to LEDs

If you’re still using incandescent bulbs, you’re burning money—literally. ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy and last way longer.

• Start with the top 5 most-used lights—usually kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
• Avoid super-cool-toned LEDs if you want a cozy feel. Look for bulbs labeled “soft white” or around 2700K.

7. Stop Phantom Energy in Its Tracks

Even when turned “off,” your TV, gaming console, or phone charger might still be drawing power. That’s phantom load, and it adds up fast—about 10% of a typical electricity bill.

• Use advanced power strips or smart plugs.
• Bonus: Smart plugs let you control devices remotely, or even set schedules.

8. Use Natural Light Strategically

Natural light’s great, but too much can heat things up quickly. Use light-colored curtains or blinds to bounce heat away while still letting in daylight.

• Turn off lights in empty rooms—it’s basic, but effective.
• Reflective sheers let in daylight without roasting the apartment.

Lighting & Electronics Quick Guide

9. Go Cold in the Laundry Room

Washing clothes in cold water cuts out the biggest energy draw from your washer—heating the water. Modern detergents are built for it, so there’s no trade-off in cleanliness.

10. Let Clothes Air Out

Dryers gulp energy. Using a drying rack—even one that folds up neatly in your closet—can save a surprising amount.

• If drying outside is allowed, even better.
• If you must use a dryer, run it early in the morning or late at night when rates may be lower.

11. Smarter Dishwashing

Always wait until the dishwasher is full, and opt for eco or air-dry settings. Those “heated dry” cycles are energy hogs.

12. Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Swapping in a low-flow showerhead or aerator is a cheap, reversible fix that helps save on both water and heating costs.

• No plumber needed—just twist off the old, screw in the new.
• Look for fixtures labeled around 1.5 GPM or lower.

Appliance & Water Use Table

13. Stop Air Leaks

Warm air sneaking in through gaps around doors or windows is a quiet thief. A quick fix? Weatherstripping, foam tape, or draft blockers.

• Easy to apply, easy to remove.
• Combine with curtains or blinds for double the protection.

14. Rugs Aren’t Just for Winter

Bare tile or hardwood floors can radiate heat upward. Area rugs help insulate your space and make it feel more comfortable.

• Look for rugs with felt or rubber backings.
• Even a small runner can make a difference near drafty doors.

15. Use Window Film or Bubble Wrap

Plastic insulation kits are inexpensive and peel off cleanly. Even bubble wrap—cut to size and sprayed with water—sticks to windows and acts as a DIY insulation layer.

Insulation Fixes at a Glance

16. Give Your Apartment an Energy Check-Up

Take stock of your energy use. Are your vents blocked? Is your fridge too close to the wall? Are old light bulbs still hiding in a bathroom vanity?

You don’t need fancy tools—just a good eye and a few minutes.

17. Report Leaks Immediately

A dripping faucet or running toilet isn’t just annoying—it can waste thousands of gallons per year. Let your landlord know right away.

18. Keep Air Moving Freely

If your couch is blocking an AC vent, it’s working overtime for no reason. Clear a path for airflow to improve cooling without upping the thermostat.

Ask for Upgrades

Some landlords are open to simple efficiency upgrades—especially if they get utility rebates. ENERGY STAR appliances, LED fixtures, or insulation improvements all help you and them.

Daily Habit Tracker

Final Thoughts

Saving energy in a warm-climate apartment isn’t about giving up comfort—it’s about using the right tools and habits to stay cool efficiently.

With a mix of renter-friendly strategies, like blackout curtains, smart plugs, LED lighting, cold water laundry, and weather stripping, you could easily knock $100 or more off your annual utility bill.

And let’s not forget, lower energy use means a smaller carbon footprint. So while you’re trimming your bills, you’re also helping reduce strain on the grid and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Now that’s a win worth sweating for.