In today’s economy, it’s essential to find ways to save money, reduce energy expenditure and minimize our impact on the environment. As a renter, you may not have the ability to make structural changes to improve the energy efficiency of your flat or house. However, there are still numerous ways you can become more energy-efficient and save money on your utility bills, all while making a positive change for the environment.
One of the first hurdles to reducing energy expenditure at home is to understand where energy is wasted. For example, standby power consumption, often referred to as “energy vampires,” continuously sucks power, even while appliances are not in use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “standby power can account for 10% or more of your household energy use.” Though you may not be able to control the types of appliances supplied in your rental, you can control how they are used.
## Manage Your Appliances Energy Use
Invest in a power strip with an on/off switch for your TV, computer, and any other appliances that consume power in standby mode. At night or when these devices are not in use, simply turn off the power strip to save on this wasted energy. Another wasted energy source can come from not managing how and when you use your appliances.
Running dishwashers and washing machines only when full and using energy-saving modes where available can significantly reduce their power usage. For example, using a “light wash” cycle on dishwashers can use 25% less energy and many modern washing machines have similar energy-saving settings.
Cooking can also be an area where significant energy savings can be achieved. Use lids when cooking to reduce cooking times, and whenever possible, use a microwave, toaster oven, or even an electric frying pan instead of the oven. These smaller appliances require less energy to heat up and keep warm, resulting in energy and cost savings.
## Adjust Heating and Cooling Habits
Heating and cooling can account for a significant portion of energy usage in most homes. In colder months, rather than cranking up the heat, consider using warmer bedding or wearing extra layers to stay warm. When you do use heating, try to keep the thermostat between 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit when home, and lower when you are away.
In warmer months, close curtains and blinds during the day to keep the sun out and use fans to circulate air around the rooms. When using air conditioning, set the temperature at a comfortable but not excessively cold temperature. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests using a programmable thermostat and setting it to 78 degrees when you’re home and 83 degrees when you’re away or asleep.
Weather-stripping can be a cheap, renter-friendly solution to amplify your heating and cooling efforts. You’d be amazed at how much energy is wasted through drafty windows and doors. An easy way to find out where you might be losing heat or cooling is to walk around your unit with an incense stick on a windy day. The trail of smoke will indicate where drafts are coming in.
## Optimize Lighting Consumption
Lighting is another area where you can make a significant dent in your energy usage. Using natural light whenever possible not only saves on lighting costs but can also help reduce heating bills in colder months as sunlight naturally warms your living space.
When natural light isn’t available, using energy-efficient bulbs can also help. LED bulbs use approximately 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. If the rental comes with incandescent lighting, consider replacing them with LED and taking them with you when you move.
## Rationalize Water Heat and Use
Hot water is another area where you can save on energy costs. Lowering the temperature of your hot water tank to 120F can reduce water heating costs by up to 10% according to the Department of Energy. This can easily be done on most modern tanks, but always consult with your landlord or management first.
Being mindful of your use of hot water can also lead to savings. Shorter showers, washing clothes in cold water, and only running the dishwasher when full can all help reduce your energy consumption.
In conclusion, even as a renter, there is plenty you can do to reduce your energy use and save money while minimizing your impact on the environment. By making mindful choices and utilizing the tips above, you can easily start saving energy and money in your rental today. Remember, every small change can add up to big energy (and monetary) savings over time.
