Improving your energy efficiency is not limited to homeowners. Renters can benefit from energy efficiency as well. Whether you’re renting a condo, home, or even an apartment, there are things that you can do to save on your energy bill.
Smart Water Use
If it doesn’t violate your deposit rules, switch your shower head to a low flow one. Combined with 10-minute showers instead of baths, you can save up to 5 gallons of water with a low flow shower head. Additionally, running your clothes and dish washers only when full saves you on your water usage. Washing only full loads can save you up to 3400 gallons of water a year[1]. If you’re utilities are included you’ll be saving your landlord some money while helping to saving the earth.
Efficient Lighting
How you light up your home is one of the easiest ways to save energy. You can start by swapping out your current bulbs for energy star rated LEDs or CFLs. They last about 6 times longer than the average incandescent light bulb. Turing off lights on rooms you’re not in or using help in reducing your energy usage as well.
Smart Electricity Use
Electronics make up of 15% of a home’s electricity use. Most electronics still use energy even when turned off. To save energy, be sure to unplug electronics after use. Blenders, phone chargers, food processors, and other consumer electronics don’t need to be plugged in when not in use. Additionally, swap out appliances for energy star rated ones for optimal energy usage.
Deposit Safe Insulation
As a renter, you usually can’t make major changes to the property without risking your security deposit. If you have a drafty door or window, you can request with the landlord to upgrade the door or windows to energy efficient ones. While you wait for upgraded windows, use a draft stopper to keep the cold air from seeping into your home[2]. Draft stoppers can be used under the door as well.
For more energy saving tips, check out our other blog posts.
