Renters: How To Save On Your Energy Bills
Reducing electricity use as a renter may seem tough when you have little control over the biggest energy users, such as your refrigerator, dishwasher or heating and cooling system. But there’s still plenty you can do to lower your energy bill without making permanent—or expensive—changes.
Follow these tips to reduce energy use in your rented space:
1. If your home has an individual water heater, call your landlord or property manager and ask to have the temperature lowered to 120 degrees. Most water heaters are set at a default temperature of 140 degrees — which can be hot enough to scald your skin. The lower setting will still be hot enough to keep your showers steamy.
2. Look for an Energy Star®-qualified window air conditioner if you are responsible for purchasing it. An Energy Star air conditioner uses about 10 percent less energy than others. In the winter, cover your window air conditioner with a tight-fitting cover to prevent the heat from escaping, or remove the unit from the window.
3. While blinds offer privacy, hanging heavier curtains will help keep out the heat in the summertime and cold in the winter. Tape clear plastic sheeting around window frames to help insulate thin windows in the winter also.
4. Install sink aerators on all faucets. They are cheap and non-permanent, but can significantly reduce your hot water use while
offering the same water pressure.
5. Replace incandescent light bulbs with more efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs. They use about 75 percent less energy
than incandescents, and last six to 10 times longer—so you can take them with you when you move.
6. If the windows and doors are drafty, ask your landlord about installing weatherstripping to seal off cracks. It’s an easy, do-it-yourself task, and cheap, too — so even if your landlord won’t pay the cost, it will be worth it because it will increase your comfort and reduce your heating bills.
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