In case you missed it, yesterday our own Holland Dauterive did a Q&A with Lifehacker about Energy Hacks for Renters. It was a great time, and we had fun sharing some of our insights into energy usage and savings. We wanted to pass on a few of the ideas and share them as actionable tips for renters who cannot choose their energy.
Here’s what you can do:
1) Consider small solar panels.
Goal Zero offers small solar panels that can help power small appliances and save energy. By incorporating small solar panels in your apartment, you can capitalize on clean energy, and power electronics.
2) Appliances waste “phantom energy” and timers and smart strips can help.
By switching to smart power strips or timers, you can cut energy usage on cable boxes and tvs. Tvs and cable boxes are big energy wasters, and are plugged in but not used most of the time. Timers and and power strips can help reduce that energy waste.
3) Insulate your water heater.
As a rule of thumb, any time that you can feel something that’s warm, energy is being wasted. Like the cord for your computer or phone. With a water heater, this is at a much larger scale and by simply insulating the heater, you can save substantial energy.
4) Keeping windows open when it’s warm and breezy.
This takes advantages of breeze and sunlight, which can save on energy costs and fresh air never hurt anyone!
5) Consider a Smart Thermostat.
A smart thermostat can help control air conditioning and heating usage, which accounts for over 50% of your apartment’s energy consumption.
6) Use towels around doors and windows to insulate your home.
This keeps the warm air in and the cold air out (or the other way around!).
7) Replace Furnace Filters
By replacing furnace filters regularly, you’re helping the furnace push air through the system more effortlessly, thus using less energy. In addition, it keeps the air clean! Try to replace every 2-3 months for optimum results.
8) Consider a home energy audit
Some utilities, depending on location, offer free home energy audits to help residents understand and save on electricity usage. This can help pinpoint your individual energy pain points, and help make the right changes to become more energy efficient.
