New England summers bring a brutal combination of high heat and heavy humidity. Strict HOA guidelines and shared structural walls can make it tough for individual condo residents to manage cooling costs, but you don’t need a total HVAC overhaul to stay comfortable. Here are a few simple, highly effective ways to keep your unit cool while keeping your electric bill in check: 

Deploy Thermal or Cellular Shades

Installing light-colored cellular shades or thermal blackout curtains blocks solar heat gain. Keeping them tightly drawn on south- and west-facing windows during peak daylight hours can reduce radiant heat gain by around 40%, according to the US Department of Energy.

Flip Your Ceiling Fan’s Direction

If your unit has ceiling fans, make sure the blades are rotating counterclockwise. This creates a direct, downward breeze that produces a refreshing wind chill effect, allowing you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. But remember to turn them off when you leave. 

Shift Appliance Use to Off-Peak Hours

Running appliances in the middle of the afternoon dumps massive amounts of heat and humidity into your home, forcing your AC to work harder. Shift usage time to early morning or late evening. For cooking, rely on air fryers, microwaves, or instant pots, which generate a fraction of the ambient heat of a traditional oven.

Banish Stealthy Heat Sources

In compact condo layouts, minor heat sources add up quickly. Older incandescent lightbulbs emit roughly 90% of their energy as heat; swapping to LEDs will keep rooms noticeably cooler. Electronics left on standby also generate constant ambient warmth. Plug your devices into a smart power strip to completely cut power when not in use.

Seal Inside Gaps

You may not have the authority to replace your condo’s exterior windows, but you can seal internal energy leaks. Use removable weatherstripping or draft stoppers on doors facing unconditioned hallways to prevent conditioned air loss.