Even though it might feel like your energy costs are out of your control when you live in an apartment, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your energy usage and save money on your monthly energy bill. Even though you may not be able to install extra insulation or switch to more energy-efficient appliances, you can do a few small things that make a big difference. Check out these apartment-friendly things you can do to cut down on your energy use and save money.
Switch Out Your Lightbulbs
Switching out your lightbulbs is one of the easiest ways to reduce energy usage. Use LED bulbs to save the most money on your energy bill. If you do not want to replace all of the lightbulbs in your apartment, you can replace the ones you use the most and still reap the benefits of LED light bulbs. One more thing to keep in mind is that you can save the original lightbulbs from your apartment and put them back when you move out, allowing you to take your energy-efficient light bulbs with you.
Seal Any Drafty Areas
Air can easily come into your apartment under doors or windows. You can easily remedy this by using renter-safe plastic window coverings and draft stoppers under your doors. While many new apartments don’t have a problem with drafts, using a draft stopper under your doors is a good idea as it allows you to keep the heat (or cold) that you are paying for in your apartment.
Use Your Windows
Your windows, when used properly, can assist you in heating or cooling your apartment. In the winter, keep your windows closed but open the curtains or blinds during the daytime to let in the sunshine and heat. In the winter at night, close your blinds or curtains at night to keep all of the heat in. During the summer, close your blinds or curtains during the day to block out the heat and sunlight. In the summer, at night, open your windows to let the cool air in. Using your windows properly can help save you money on your energy bill every month.
Fans Can Help Heat and Cool
If your apartment home comes with ceiling fans, you can use them to help you heat and cool your home. When your fan is set to the regular setting, it will spin counterclockwise and help circulate cool air while pushing up the warm air. Your fan will likely have a reverse switch that will spin the fan clockwise. Use the reverse setting in the winter months to push the warm air down toward the floor. During the winter months, it is best to keep the fans on a low setting to ensure that it does not create a breeze.
Clean Vents to Help Your Heating and Cooling System Run More Efficiently
While you may be relieved of many maintenance tasks as a renter, you will still need to keep your vents and registers clean. Regularly cleaning your vents and registers will allow the air to flow freely, and your heating and cooling system won’t have to work as hard to maintain your desired temperature.
Unplug Electronics When Not In Use
Some of the biggest energy-wasting items in your apartment are small appliances and small electronics, even when they are not being used. One easy thing you can do to save money on your electric bill is by unplugging these items when not in use. If you find that you are having a hard time remembering to unplug these things, you can use power strips to easily turn on and off small electronics and appliances.
