In my apartment I just moved into I've noticed it's not that cool, when I set the thermostat to a decent temperature. I set it to 72-74 for the past few days, and it seems pretty hot in here during the day. At my parents house they keep it on 73-74 and it's pretty cold/nice in there.

Tonight I had some people over so I lowered it to 65 it felt ok...I have a clock that shows indoor temp (not sure how accurate it is) but it said 70 degrees...but it definitely didn't feel like that.

Is it possible I need to set the thermostat on 65, just to get 73/74 degree temperatures? Also if setting it this low, will it make my bill astronomically high?

I also changed the AC filter today as well...

Is there possibly an issue with the AC, or am I just not use to apartment style AC units? It's a rental community so they have maintenance guys...Whats the best way to test out the AC myself? Also where can I just pick up a typical thermometer to put somewhere in the house?

Thanks.

 

65 is way too low. Should have it set at 68 or 69 during the night and around 72 during the day. I don't think you are used to your apartment yet. Give it time.

 

Well use to the apartment or not, isn't being hot, being hot? Also if I set it at65, can it hurt the unit? (Wear it out too much?)

 

Not too sure about wearing it out. I know your bill will be super high though.

You have to remember that all AC units are different. 73 degrees in one house/apt can be totally different somewhere else.

 

But I mean if the actual temperature in the apartment is 73 degrees, shouldn't that feel the same as 73 degrees in my parents house? Or does the air flow make a difference? I never really feel that cool feeling in here. I mean it's not intolerable just never seems to be "cool".

 

Try a table fan to supplement the AC. The airflow makes the room feel cooler than it actually is. This is a lot cheaper than running the AC non-stop and you can pick a fan up for like $10-20 at Target.

 

air flow makes a huge difference

Having fans in the house pushing air helps. If you have ceiling fans definitely use them, including bathroom fans (leave the door cracked, doesn't have to be wide open so it can suck the hot air hot).

When I lived in an apartment I used the vacuum method. One end of the apt had a window open with a fan in front sucking the air out. And another fan on the other side of the apt pushing the air out. I used high volume blowers (for home use, not the commercial giant ones) to help cool the apt during hot summer days. Living on the top floor was a drag because all the heat rose to the top.

 

Yeah I figured it did...What are the best type of fans to buy? Those swivel ones for the floor? Do they sell any that look cool? I noticed the only room that has a ceiling fan is the family room ...I'm not sure if its worth it installing fans in the other rooms. I'm not too handy, so I'd probably have to hire someone (Any idea how much that is?) Or should I just get those floor swivel fans?

 

Just get a floor/table fan. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, just head over to Target/Sears/Home Depot etc. and check them out.

 

keep in mind too, that you just moved in and are probably always moving around and fiddling with stuff so you may simply feel warmer because your moving around lots tinkering with your setup. In a few days the AC may seem adequate once you stop running around and going in and out so much.

 

Yeah, I think I'm going to get one or two like this...

http://www.target.com/Aloha-36-Tower...28&pf_rd_t=201

Also...have any of you bought new ceiling fans? Is it really worth it, over just a tower fan?

 

I bought a tower fan that has a remote. it's pretty darn handy when your in bed and don't want the fan on anymore.

 

You do have a strong point about the whole moving around thing. I haven't really sat still much. Which tower fan do you have? Also where did you place it?

 

I bought mine from Costco.

 

depends on the unit / windows / NSEW orientation.

to be honest, the bills will define your comfort level.

i have PTACs in the apt. but the bldg is LEED (silver??) with curtain walls. the curtain walls must have a strong solar rating to absorb heat during the winter. the apt unit faces south on a high floor and it gets SUPER hot in the summer. worst thing is the windows only crack 4" (ADA code for the size of a babies head). all i could do is vent during the day and use the PTACs when im home.

sorry for the architect lingo. to OP, theres not much more in your control if youve already tried to replace the filter.

 

Did you check the Flux Capacitor?

 

How is the layout?
Your TS may not be too accurate. I set mine at just below 70 & the temp gets to 72. If you have an external TS & it reads a temp you trust...70-72 then the AC is working fine.
Can you direct the air vents?

When I had my apt, I had to have a fan near my bed cause the air vent wasn't anywhere near my bed & I was always hot.

 

Are you on a top floor?
Does your unit have high ceiling?
Have you checked to see if the air filter is clogged?
Is the unit actually putting out cold air?

 

I usually try to keep ours at 70-72.

But, like others said.....High ceilings are a killer, and so is the top floor. So if you fall into one of those, then it's going to be tough.

Also, try to shade as many of the windows as possible especially when you are not there. People love natural light, but all it does is heat your home if you're not there to enjoy it.

Check with the owners to see if there are any energy savers attached to the unit. We had one installed by the previous owner of our condo. It basically allowed the fans to run all you liked, but it only produced cold air in 7 minute intervals. So it was on for 7, off for 7.

Check to make sure none of your windows are leaking a lot of cold air. Sometimes that's usually an easy fix.

But my best recommendation is to set your thermostat to the desired temp, and raise it about 3 degrees when you leave. Also, make sure you block as much sun as possible with blinds and drapes.

 

man...i keep my apartment at 77, and it's cool.

 

Check to make sure AC isn't blowing directly on your thermostat.

You have to remember whatever temp it senses is what the ac shoots for. If your thermostat is in the sun or in the direct path of cool air it will be cooler/warmer than your actual house.

Check and make sure your AC vents are all open. If you have a spare/storage room though you might want to close that door and close the vent to limit the amount of space the unit has to cool.

What type of AC is in use in your apartment?