What can I do if my AC breaks during the summer?

Don't fret. I've spent plenty a summer with AC problems when I was living in Boston—and believe me, summers in Boston can get H-O-T. What you need to do first is call your landlord or community maintenance manager to let them know that something is up. They may ask you to find your AC unit. It's probably best to know where it is before you call (you might realize what's wrong with it once you see it). If the air conditioning is out in multiple apartments, it may take longer to get to you, so make sure your name is high up on the work order list by identifying the problem early and not assuming the problem will fix itself. The AC might be broken for various reasons—anything from electric outages to a freeze. If you need a quick fix, big brand stores like Walmart will have small AC units that'll fit in your dorm, and keep you cool at night for a pretty cheap investment.

To avoid breaking your AC, check the filter once a month to make sure there is proper air flow (just because you're in Florida, doesn't mean your system can't freeze up). If you see excess dust, clean it up or replace the filter. Cleaning is essential in keeping your AC from breaking down, and not enough people do it.

Another way to avoid a hot house? Before you leave your apartment, save electricity and give your AC a break by bringing up the temperature to a cool 78 degrees Fahrenheit (Consumer Reports recommends it!). Don't turn off your AC, though; it'll take more energy to get you back to your cool indoor temperatures. Waste not, Floridians. Waste not!

These are the opinions of writers and not the opinions of SunStateApartments.com or any of our advertising partners.