Many energy efficiency tips work well for homeowners but miss the mark for apartment renters and tenants. Adding insulation to the attic, caulking around windows, and even adjusting the thermostat―these energy-saving tactics are often out of the control of the apartment dweller. However, there’s still hope for saving energy and cutting down on your energy bill. Apartment renters can make little changes that can add up quickly. Follow these tips to make your apartment more energy efficient.
Insulation
While you won’t be able to add insulation to the attic and within your walls, there are other ways apartment renters can keep heat and air conditioning from escaping. Insulate your apartment by rolling up a towel and pushing it against a door or window sill to keep air from leaking out. If your apartment has tile or wood floors, lay down rugs for more insulation during the winter and roll them up during the summer to help keep your apartment cooler.
Temperature
For some apartment renters, the heat and air conditioning settings are controlled by management. If that’s the case, see if your landlord will reset the heater/air conditioner to a temperature that’s more energy-efficient.
For those that do have control over the thermostat, you can maximize airflow by arranging your furniture, so it’s not in front of or over vents. You can also opt to use a fan instead of the air
conditioner—just remember to turn it off when you leave the room.
Windows
It may be hard to convince your landlord to replace your windows, but you can still use them to your advantage when cutting down on your energy bill. Hang light-colored curtains or blinds to reflect the sun and keep the heat out during hot summer days. In the winter, keep the window coverings open during the day to help warm your apartment. You can even apply non-adhesive film to the inside of your windows to further insulate your apartment by blocking the sun in the summer and attracting heat during the winter.
Lights
Of course, you’ll want to remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Renters can even take that up to a notch by replacing your floor, desk, and table lamps around your apartment with LED bulbs. Compared to incandescent bulbs, LEDs last 25-times longer and use significantly less energy.
Appliances
Your landlord may or may not have provided you with Energy Star appliances, but you can still control how you use them. When cooking food or heating up a snack, opt for the microwave instead of the oven or stove when possible, as this appliance uses less energy and time to cook food. You can also turn the temperature in your refrigerator to a cool 40 degrees. While many people will tell you to set it between 35-38 degrees, keeping the temperature in your refrigerator set too low will cause it to run less efficiently.
Lastly, unplug appliances, electronics, and chargers when you’re not using them. Even when they’re not in use, these devices can still draw standby power. An easy way to ensure these devices are turned off is to use a smart power strip that will automatically shut down your devices when you’re not using them.
More Energy Saving Tips
Although your landlord or management company is ultimately responsible for a building’s energy efficiency and safety, these tips can help apartment renters save on their energy bill. Want more ways to save? Sign up for our newsletter to receive energy-saving tips and chances to win smart home technology. In the meantime, check out the NOPEC tip house to see where you can save energy in your home or apartment.
