If you’re having trouble falling asleep at night, then your apartment might be too hot. No matter the time of year, a hot apartment can make it hard to fall asleep.
There are a few things you can do to make your apartment cooler at night. These tips will help you get a good night’s sleep and avoid tossing and turning all night long.
Appliances
Getting a good night’s sleep can be a challenge for those of us that aren’t nocturnal creatures. The best way to combat this is to be cognizant of the people you share your home with and keep an eye on the thermostat. While you’re at it, try not to overuse the microwave by leaving it on while you watch TV or read a book. Not only will you be more productive, you’ll save a bundle on energy costs as well. In a similar vein, be sure to switch off your lights if you aren’t using them. You may also be interested to learn that some lighting technologies actually produce less heat than others, which can reduce your electric bill significantly.
Defective Air Conditioning System
A defective air conditioning system can make your apartment feel much too hot, especially at night. The system could be too small for the space, or it might not be working properly at all.
A dirty air filter is another common culprit, as is a faulty fan. A clean filter will allow cool air to circulate through your home, while a dirty one will block the flow of warm air. A faulty fan can also cause your unit to work less efficiently.
Some problems can be difficult to diagnose, so a professional should always be called to fix any air conditioning issues. For example, a breaker that is constantly tripping could be a sign of a problem with the breaker panel itself or a loose connection. You should never try to reset a tripped breaker yourself as this can be dangerous and lead to an electrical fire.
If your unit is constantly making a humming sound, it could be due to a broken contactor relay switch. This component is designed to send signals from the thermostat to the outside condenser unit when it’s time to turn the AC on. A broken contactor relay switch can’t send any signal to the outdoor unit, which can’t turn on until it is repaired or replaced.
Another common problem is a clogged drain line or hose. This issue is usually caused by debris that clogs the lines or pipes, but it can also be caused by a cracked drain pan. In either case, it’s a good idea to have the drain line and hose cleaned out and working as they should.
If you are having trouble with your air conditioner, consider bringing in a seasoned HVAC technician for help. They can find the problem and get it fixed quickly so you can stay cool and comfortable without spending too much money. A reputable repair service can also help you determine the cause of your malfunction, and can suggest possible solutions to keep it from happening again.
Windows Without Insulation
Windows without insulation can be a major contributor to your apartment’s heating problems, especially during the winter. The sun’s rays penetrate into an uninsulated window and heat up the air on the outside of it, as well as the air in between.
When this happens, the heat can then leak into your apartment through cracks in the frame or gaps around the window. You can test this by simply placing your hand near a window to see how much air is coming in and out.
If you find a gap, it’s time to seal it up with some caulk. It’s easy to apply and will keep cold or hot air out. You’ll want to apply it to all of the joints in your window frame and any gaps between the frame and the wall.
Some people even use plastic film to insulate their windows. DIY home bodies and TikTokers like Shauna of Homediydiary have had great success using this method to make their windows more comfortable in the winter, and it’s a low-budget option that’s pretty quick and easy to do on your own.
Insulating your windows is an excellent way to save money on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint. It will also help to keep the temperature of your home more even, so you won’t have hot or cold areas in your house.
Another important benefit of insulated windows is that they make your house more quiet. If your home is located somewhere that gets a lot of noise, you can’t afford to have sound leaking in through your windows.
You can also prevent your windows from rattling by adding soundproofing to the glass. This can be done through a number of methods, including the use of foams or other types of soundproofing.
Ultimately, however, the best option is to insulate your windows. The right type of insulation will depend on several factors, including where you live and what your goals are.
For example, if you’re looking to reduce your energy bills, you’ll probably need a type of insulation with a high r-value. This is important if you live in a region that experiences extreme temperatures on a regular basis, such as Northeast Ohio.
The Location of Your Bedroom
Your bedroom’s location is one of the major factors in determining how hot your apartment will be at night. South-facing bedrooms are more likely to experience sunlight during the day, which can lead to heat buildup in your room. As the sun goes down, cooler air enters your home and can help to regulate temperatures.
Another common cause of a hot bedroom at night is a poor air conditioning system. If the system malfunctions, it can create a situation where hot air is trapped in your room and the cool air that enters doesn’t come out until morning.
Regardless of the reason for the problem, a hot bed at night can negatively impact your sleep quality. That’s why it’s so important to fix the issue.
There are several short-term solutions that you can implement to make your bedroom feel cooler at night. These include switching out your bedding and using temperature regulating sheets, comforters, and mattress toppers.
If your bedding isn’t breathable, it can trap a lot of heat inside the bed. Try swapping out your old, thick blankets and replacing them with a light, breathable material that can let the air pass through it to cool off the bed.
You may also want to consider adjusting your bedroom window placement or adding additional windows. If your bedroom is on the upper floor, the heat that rises during the day can get trapped in your bedroom and warm it up at night.
This is an especially common problem with apartments that have high ceilings and do not have tall buildings to block out the sunlight from entering your home. If you can install light-blocking curtains or blinds, this will greatly reduce the amount of light that gets into your home and help to regulate the temperature in your room.
Feng shui recommends locating the bed against a wall, so that it doesn’t face a door or window. This will keep the energy flowing in a positive direction and can promote peace of mind as you relax in your bed.
Choosing the correct placement of your bedroom can be tricky. The best way to determine the right position is to consider the whole design of your room and how it will feel in relation to the rest of the space.