In most large apartment buildings, the hot water comes from a central boiler that distributes heat through pipes to each apartment.
But if yours has steam or hot water radiators, it can be difficult to control the temperature. This is because these systems distribute heat unevenly.
1. Turn on the AC/fan
If you’re living in an apartment, there’s no feeling more frustrating than waking up and going for a shower only to realize that the water is lukewarm. And if you’re living in an apartment that shares a hot water heater with several other units, this can be even more of a problem.
The water heaters in apartment buildings are typically designed to keep up with one single family’s use of water, so when a large number of people shower or use the water at once, the demand can cause the water heater to run out of hot water more quickly than it should. This causes the water to become lukewarm for all users in the building until it gets enough of a chance to catch up.
So, if you notice that your water is lukewarm, it’s best to get in touch with your landlord as soon as possible so that they can come out and fix the issue. You could also try talking to your landlord about the possibility of moving to another apartment in the complex.
This can be a great solution because it removes some of the demand from the water heater, it keeps you from having to deal with lukewarm water and you get to move to an apartment that is more suited to your needs. It also means you’ll have more control over your water heater, which will save you money and time in the long run.
Another way to get hotter water is by using a solar water heater. These can be installed on your roof or in your yard and are very environmentally friendly.
Alternatively, you can also use a wood-burning stove. These are becoming increasingly popular, as they use very little energy and can help you get hot water in your apartment in a matter of minutes.
A bowl of ice is also another great option for getting colder water, but it’s important to use the ice in moderation. It can make you feel a bit dizzy and ill if you drink too much of it, so be sure to limit yourself to one or two glasses a day.
2. Switch to CFL or LED bulbs
If you’re looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency, switching to CFL or LED bulbs is a great place to start. They both use far less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they also last much longer.
They are made of a glass tube filled with chemicals (argon and mercury) that emit ultraviolet light, which is then changed into visible light when it strikes a coating on the inside of the bulb’s tube. This process can take a minute or two, according to ENERGY STAR(r), but it’s worth it.
Another benefit of using a CFL is that they use up to 70 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, which can make a huge difference on your electric bill. However, one drawback is that they can overheat when turned on too often, especially in bathrooms where they can be exposed to moisture.
For these reasons, it’s best to use them in fixtures with good ventilation. If you have a bathroom that doesn’t have a lot of ventilation, try switching to an incandescent bulb for the time being.
You should also consider the wattage and lumens ratings of each bulb. You’ll want to look for a high-lumens-per-watt rating, which indicates that the bulb will produce more light than its wattage.
The LPW value is important, because it will tell you how efficient the bulb is and how much you can save on your electricity bills. The higher the LPW number, the more efficient it will be, and the better the savings.
If you’re not sure which bulb to buy, there are plenty of comparison tools available. These include a tool that identifies the LPW of various types of bulbs, and an app that will help you choose the right bulb for your needs.
In general, LEDs are more expensive than CFLs, but they will pay for themselves over the long term by saving you money on your power bill. They are also environmentally friendly, and they can be recycled and reused again and again.
While choosing between CFLs and LEDs, keep in mind that you can expect to save more than $100 per year if you replace just 10 incandescent bulbs with an LED. This savings adds up fast and can be significant, especially if you have a big house.
3. Turn on the exhaust fans
In the hot summer months, it’s important to turn on the exhaust fans. These will keep the air in your apartment fresh and cool, while also removing excess moisture and smells. They’re most commonly found in the bathroom and kitchen, where they can remove steam and cooking odors that can build up indoors. They can also be used to vent hot air from your furnace and dryer. They can also help to draw in cooler outdoor air into your home, which may lead to a reduction in your cooling costs.
If you have a fan that goes directly to the outside of your home, it should be vented via insulated ducting to a roof vent. This will keep it from forming a leak that can cause mildew and mold problems in your attic space.
4. Turn off the lights
When it comes to getting the most out of your apartment, nothing beats turning off the lights. Not only does it save on energy bills, it also makes the place look much cleaner! As you might guess, a dingy and dimly lit space can be a turnoff to anyone. The trick is to make your space as aesthetically pleasing as possible and keep it that way with smart lighting and other low-key touches. The next time you’re sifting through the zillions of emails in your inbox, consider these tips for getting ahead and making your apartment a more enjoyable place to live.