While living in a rental can limit some of the measures that can be taken to save money on utilities, like replacing a furnace or kitchen appliances, there are a lot of small things you can do that will add up to significant savings over time.
#1. Save on Your Water Bill
This is one area where renters can save and be more environmentally friendly as well. While some costs from the water company cannot be avoided, reducing the amount of water you use and waste each month can lower how much you owe on this utility each month. Whether it’s taking shorter showers, shutting the water off while you brush your teeth, or not letting the water run while you’re washing dishes, little changes to how you do everyday things can have a big impact over time.
#2. Change Your Light Bulbs
LED lighting is growing in popularity because of how energy efficient they are. LED bulbs are more efficient than traditional incandescents and even compact fluorescent bulbs. They are more expensive to purchase, but they last 25 times as long. In addition to the life of the bulb, they use only 20-25% of the energy that traditional bulbs require. Because of the cost, consider replacing just the most used lights with LED bulbs.
#3. Turn It Off
Whether it’s your porch light, a stereo, television, computer, other electronic device or appliance in your home, if it can be turned off, do so. Installing timers on certain lights and devices, such as your television, can be a great way to save money on your electric bill. If you aren’t in a room, make sure that all lights and gadgets are turned off or even unplugged, if possible. Set your computers and other items to time out or go into sleep mode automatically after a certain amount of time.
#4. Use a Power Strip
You can also use a power strip as a master switch to shut several gadgets or electronics off at once. This is another way that small savings in the short term can add up to big savings over time.
#5. Close the Curtain on High Heating and Cooling Costs
Covering your windows with insulated drapes or curtains, room darkening shades, or cellular blinds can dramatically reduce your energy bill. This will not only save on heating costs in the cooler months, it will also cut down on your energy bill in the summer months by reducing the heat coming through your windows and lessen the need for running air conditioning units.
#6. Room Air Conditioning
Rather than running expensive whole house (or apartment) air conditioning units, consider purchasing a room air conditioner or portable air conditioner. In years past, portable AC units meant cumbersome window units that only worked in certain types of windows. They were not very efficient and cool air could be lost around these units. Now, there are many great options available for portable room air conditioners that are attractive, affordable to purchase, and efficient to operate.
This is a great way to save money over running a unit that is tied into your apartment’s heating and cooling system. You’ll only be cooling the room or rooms you’re in and using most. Just be sure to check with the leasing staff or property owner to be sure that a portable air conditioner unit is permitted.
#7. Lower Laundry Costs – Washer
If your apartment or rental home has an in-unit washer and dryer, this is another place you can save money. Wash your clothing in cold water whenever possible, as the hot water accounts for the majority of the energy cost of operating the washing machine. Also, wash only full loads of laundry to maximize the amount of water and energy savings.
#8. Lower Laundry Costs – Dryer
When drying your clothes, do not over-dry your clothes. Remove them promptly from the dryer when they’re dry, rather than allowing them to continue tumbling. Do not let them set and become wrinkled in the dryer when the cycle has completed. Always empty the lint trap in your dryer for both safety reasons and to ensure your dryer is operating as efficiently as possible.
#9. Turn It Down
Turning your thermostat down by just one degree can save you 3% on your heating bill during the winter months. If you lower the temperature in your home from 73 degrees to 70, you’ll be saving nearly 10% on your energy bill. With heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of your home’s energy bill, this can be a BIG savings.
#10. Furniture Placement
Make sure furniture (including drapes and accessories) do not block heating and cooling registers. If vents and registers are covered, it makes it impossible for your heating and cooling system to operate efficiently.
For more energy-saving tips, visit the Going Green section of the Apartment Living blog!
