Fall In Love With These Energy-Saving Tips For Renters

Some of the best ways to lower your electric costs include installing energy-efficient appliances and redesigning your space to optimize energy usage. But what happens when your lease doesn’t allow you to rearrange your space or replace appliances?

Here are some renter-friendly tips to help lower your electric bill.

1. Choose optimal appliance temperatures. Your refrigerator should be between 36 and 38 degrees fahrenheit, your freezer should be set to 0 degrees fahrenheit, and for a clean and energy-efficient laundry load, you should wash your items on cold.
2. Switch to LED bulbs. They use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs!
3. Cook cautiously. To save energy, opt to cook with your microwave or stove top. Additionally, covering your pots and pans while cooking on the stove can keep your apartment from becoming overheated. If you’re going to use your oven, try to cook everything at once to lessen how much energy you use per meal.
4. Not using your device? Unplug it! According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, plugged-in but unused devices can set you back nearly $165 annually!
5. During the winter, keep a watchful eye on your home’s heat system. Adjust your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower and bundle up in a cozy sweater, warm socks or a blanket.
6. Report leaky faucets and broken appliances. Leaky faucets and broken appliances tend to use more energy than appliances that are working properly. If you notice that something isn’t working properly, let your landlord know.
7. Use curtains and shades. Curtains and shades can reduce heat gain in your space by up to 77 percent!
8. Clear the space around your air vents. Rugs, furniture and decor can affect your apartment’s air flow. Keeping your vents clear from items keeps you comfortable for less!
9. Beware of bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans. Use exhaust fans sparingly to avoid pulling extra warm air out of your home.
10. Let the sunshine in! Open your curtains or blinds on south-facing windows during the day to allow natural sunlight to heat your home.
11. Switch your ceiling fan direction to clockwise. In the winter, ceiling fans can be used to create an updraft and circulate warm air around the room.

To learn more about how to lower your electric bill, visit NESpower.com.