9 ways to cool down a hot apartment in winter – and they don't cost the earth

During winter, we usually focus on keeping our homes and apartments warm and energy bills low. But what if you don't have control of your thermostat?

Rented apartments are commonly regulated and monitored by landlords, which can make it difficult to control the temperature throughout the year. While a cozy apartment is ideal, sometimes soaring temperatures and inconsistent heating can cause overheating – even in winter.

So, we spoke to HVAC experts for their tips on cooling down a living room, bedroom, or bathroom in an uncomfortably hot apartment this winter.

How to cool down a hot apartment in winter

1. Cover your radiators

As the most common home heating type, and the main source of heat in your home, covering your radiators is a good way to cool down your hot apartment if you are unable to turn them off.

WG Hickman, owner of Tri-County Air Service recommends, 'cover[ing] the radiators with heavy damp towels. Damp towels will absorb the heat coming from radiators and release the moisture into the room, which can help feel cooler.'

You can also use insulated blankets or heat-resistant coverings. 'The Reflective Insulation Foam from Amazon is a fantastic choice,' recommends Jeffrey Chase, associate of HVAC Express Contracting. 'It does not take up much space in your room, is simple to install and reflects heat back to the walls.'

2. Use a fan

'The best fans aren't just for summer,' says HVAC expert Jeffery Chase. 'When your apartment seems like a sauna, fans come to the rescue. You can release some of the stored heat by pointing a box fan or tower fan toward an open window, or you can just let the fan circulate the air to make it feel colder.'

Chase recommends the best-selling Lasko Tower Fan available at Walmart, which is ideal for tiny bedrooms and small living rooms due to its narrow design.

3. Partially close radiator dampers

'Check if your radiators or baseboard heaters have small dampers, and if they do, close them partially to reduce the amount of heat flowing into your apartment,' says HVAC expert Hickman. 'Remember that entirely blocking the airflow is bad for the heating system and can have bad consequences such as ductwork damage, meaning you should avoid adjusting dampers more than halfway closed.' Always contact an HVAC expert or your building manager if you're unsure, or read our expert-led, dedicated guide for tips on heating problems you can repair yourself.

Adjusting your dampers can also be used for heating as well as cooling, such as keeping a mudroom warm.

4. Turn down the temperature of your water heater

When dealing with a hot apartment in winter, essential water heater maintenance can be used to solve common water heater problems and reduce the temperature of your home.

'Turn down the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.8 degrees Celsius) as recommended by the US Department of Energy,' says Christine Ciavardini from MD Energy Advisors. 'Most gas water heaters are set to 140 degrees. Every ten degree reduction in temperature can save up to five per cent on gas water heating costs.'

5. Shut curtains and blinds

While shutting windows and blinds can be used to keep your house warm without turning up the heat, it is also an effective way to cool your space down.

'Sunlight can raise the temperature in your flat even in winter, especially in the afternoon,' says HVAC expert Chase. 'During the day, close your drapes or blinds to block the sun.'

If you're really struggling with heat, Chase recommends using blackout curtains, such as the bestselling Sun Zero Nolan Energy Efficient Blackout Grommet Single Curtain Panel available at Walmart. 'These will help insulate your room and block sunlight,' he adds. Reviewers highlight the price, hang, and length of the curtains, which are available in 21 colorways.

If your apartment has shutters, closing these will have the same effect.

6. Use heat and air deflectors

'I recommend using Frost King Heat and Air Deflectors available at Amazon,' says HVAC expert Hickman, 'with the help of which you can direct the air coming from radiators or ducts toward a window or wall, so the heat is dispersed away from your living area and you feel cooler.'

These are heavy-duty with a strong magnetic hold, made of unbreakable plastic, perfect for keeping your attic at a comfortable temperature year-round. 'Such heat deflectors are cheap and often adjustable, so you can use them for radiators of different sizes,' adds Hickman.

7. Crack a window

Wondering how often you should open your windows in winter? While opening a window is an obvious fix to a hot apartment, it's important not to open them too far in winter.

'Opening a window might be beneficial when the temperature rises too much,' says HVAC expert Chase. 'A small amount of the heat that has been contained can now escape. Just enough opening will allow things to cool off without freezing you – do not open it all the way.'

Because of this, it's best not to leave windows open when you're out all day, to avoid returning to an apartment that's too cold. However, sleeping with your window open in winter is recommended by experts if your apartment is too hot, as it can help you sleep. Just shut it in the morning before heading out.

To cool down an apartment quickly, consider trying the viral window hack for heatwaves. Simply open two windows, one on either side of your home, to create a cross-breeze that will effectively and efficiently cool your space.

8. Switch to lighter bedding

While switching to lighter bedding won't cool down your entire hot apartment – your bed could be making your bedroom too hot and be the cause of nighttime overheating.

'Replace your heavy winter blankets with a lighter option, such as the Bare Home Microfiber Sheet Set available on Amazon,' says HVAC expert Chase. 'Lightweight and breathable linens can make a big difference if your flat is overheating,' to keep a bedroom cool.

Don't be tempted to sleep with your air-conditioning on overnight, as HVAC experts warn you should turn off your AC at night as it may be harmful to your health and energy bills.

9. Use a humidifier

'Keep in mind that humid air feels cooler,' says HVAC expert Hickman. 'So, if you have humidity levels in your apartment lower than 40 per cent, you can use a humidifier to increase it to 50 per cent.'

Ensure you clean your humidifier regularly to ensure maximum efficacy.

All prices were correct at time of publication.

FAQs

Why will my apartment not cool down?

If your apartment won't cool down no matter what steps you take, it is likely a result of poor ventilation. There are several ways to improve ventilation in your home, such as fitting a ceiling fan, bathroom exhaust fan, or a range hood. Always speak to your building manager before making any major improvements to the space.

If you're dealing with the opposite problem - an apartment that's too cold even with heating, take the above advice and reverse it, advises HVAC expert Chase.

Open blinds to let sunlight warm your space, keep windows closed, and invest in a cozy, winter duvet. To keep a poorly insulated house warm, you can use window film as a cheap alternative to double glazing, block drafts, and use heaters strategically around your space rather than fans.