2020 was the second warmest year on record, and climate change experts say things will be heating up beyond that. If you live in a top-floor apartment, you already know that the summer heat can be unbearable. Top-floor apartments are directly beneath the roof, which traps the heat and can turn the room into a sauna.

Cooling options and energy efficiency are important when it comes to top-floor apartments, but there are ways to keep your apartment cooler without breaking the bank.

With a few simple tips, you can learn how to keep your top-floor apartment cool in the summer. Let's get started.

What Makes the Top Floor Apartment So Hot?

The answer is quite simple - the sun. As the sun beats down on the roof, it heats up the shingles and transfers that heat to your apartment below. This is made worse by dark roofs which absorb more heat than lighter-colored roofs. The type of insulation in your attic also makes a difference. If you have poor insulation, the heat will transfer more easily into your apartment.

The second reason your apartment temperature is so hot is the heat's natural tendency to rise. All the heat from the lower floors rises to the top and will accumulate on the top floor. This is why top-floor apartments are often the hottest in comparison to other floors.

How to Keep Your Top-Floor Apartment Cool in Summer

To make your apartment cooler and more comfortable there are some simple solutions and some not-so-simple ones. If you are living in a rented space, asking your landlord for permission to take certain steps may become necessary. Try some of these easy solutions first.

Use Window Treatments to Your Advantage

Window treatments can make a big difference in how much heat enters your apartment. Heavy, lined drapes will help to block out the sun and keep the heat out. If you cant afford drapes, use aluminum foil-covered cardboard in your windows. This will reflect the heat away from your windows and help to keep your apartment cooler.

Install Blinds

Installing blinds is another efficient way to keep your apartment cool. Make sure to keep the blinds closed especially during the day to keep the sun out.

Apply Window Films

If you want to block the sun's rays from heating up your home, consider putting window films on your windows. Window films reflect heat away from your windows and block some solar energy from entering your room.

A window film is often confused with a window tint. However, the main purpose of a film is to filter sunlight and provide seclusion.

Transparent films are clear in appearance and are generally used to keep your apartment cool. They usually include three coats:

• The adhesive layer that comes into touch with the window glass
• A UV-blocking polyester film layer
• A coating layer
• On hot summer days, transparent window films are wonderful for lowering the temperature of your home without reducing visibility.

Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a great way to keep cool air circulating in your apartment. In the summer, set your ceiling fan to spin counter-clockwise. This will push the cool air down into the room and make it feel more comfortable. If a ceiling fan is not already installed when you move in you may need your landlord's permission to do so.

Use a Dehumidifier

Humidity makes the air feel hotter than it is. If your apartment is feeling stuffy, use a dehumidifier to remove some of the moisture from the air. This will make the air feel cooler and help to prevent mold and mildew.

Use Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are a great way to cool down a specific room in your apartment. If you have trouble sleeping at night, use a portable air conditioner in your bedroom to keep the air cool and comfortable.

Keep the Air Moving

Whether you use a fan or air conditioner, its important to keep the air moving in your apartment. Stagnant air is hotter and more uncomfortable than air that is moving. Circulate the air in your apartment to keep it cool and comfortable all summer long.

One of the simplest ways to keep your apartment cool and the air moving is to open your windows at night. This will allow the cooler night air to circulate in your apartment and help to lower the temperature. If you live in a noisy area, use a fan to circulate the air without letting the outside noise in.

You may need to get screens installed to keep bugs out if there are none on your windows.

During the day, keep the doors to your rooms open. This will allow the cool air to circulate throughout your apartment and keep all the rooms cool. At night, you can close the doors to keep the cool air in and the warm air out.

Check Your Insulation and Duct Work

If your apartment is poorly insulated, heat will transfer more easily into your living space. Check the insulation in your attic and walls to make sure it is adequate. If not, consider adding more insulation to help keep your apartment cooler.

If you have central air conditioning, make sure your ductwork is in good condition. Leaky ducts can cause your AC unit to work harder and use more energy. This will drive up your utility bills and make your apartment less comfortable.

Seal Your Windows

One way to keep cool air in and hot air out is to seal your windows. Use weather stripping around your windows and doors to help seal any gaps. You can also use caulk to seal any cracks or gaps in your window frames.

Keep Your HVAC Fan Vents On

If your home uses an HVAC system, keeping your HVAC fan on is a good way to keep your room cool. Keeping the HVAC fan on does not mean the AC is running.

The AC will only come on when the thermostat reaches a certain temperature. The fan will just circulate the air even if the AC is not on.

Enjoy the Views Without the Heat

Now that you know how to keep your top-floor apartment cool in summer, you can enjoy the views without the heat. Try one or two of these suggestions to see which combination works best for a cool and enjoyable summer.

If you're ready for an apartment with ac on the top floor, give us a call to view our modern apartments with fine amenities.