Renter Tools / How to Reduce Your Power Bills

Saving energy will not only save you money, but is also good for the environment. Below are a few simple tips that will help you save hundreds of dollars a year!

Energy Tips!

Close vents you are not using. Whether it is summer or winter, closing up vents in rooms that you don’t spend a lot of time in is a smart way to cut back on electric costs. Why heat or cool a room that no one is in? Keep the door to the room that you’re not heating or cooling closed.

Turn off the lights and electronics when they are not being used. When you walk out of a room, turn off the light.

Use your range oven only when necessary. Try to prepare foods in a microwave or toaster oven instead, both use less energy.

Use nightlights in bathrooms and hallways. These lights save energy and prevent you from having to switch the lights on and off when you get up at night.

Keep your shades up and blinds open. This will help you to make the most of solar energy.

Use your ceiling fans in reverse. This draws warm air through your home.

Use compact fluorescent lighting. These bulbs use less than half the energy of incandescent light bulbs and last longer.

Use appliances wisely. Your dishwasher and washing machine use a good chunk of energy as well as water. Run them only when you have a full load.

Keep your landlord in check. Speak to your home owner to ensure that the furnace and air filter in your home are clean. A properly working furnace will cost less to run than a dirty or broken one.

Monitor your thermostat. Purchase a timer and keep your home cooler when you’re away or asleep. Some people actually sleep better when the room is cooler. The amount of money you spend on the timer will be saved in your first month’s energy bill.

Change the filter in your air conditioner. You’ll save 5-15% if you keep your filter clean by changing it once a month.

Close the shades and blinds. Funny how that works, huh? We told you to open them in the winter. Get your tan outside and keep the sun out of your apartment.

Set the thermostat at 78, not 72, degrees Fahrenheit. You could save up to nearly 50%by making this adjustment.

Use fans wisely. Place them where they will circulate the most air and leave them on high so that they have enough power to push the air around.