Energy Savings Tips for Renters

controlling your energy

Just because you are renting doesn’t mean you can’t control your homes energy use.  See below for a energy saving tips for renters from Annapolis Property Services that will hopefully help minimize your energy bills.

1. Set the Thermostat: Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter. Did you know that for each for each degree you raise your thermostat setting, your fuel bill climbs 3%. If you have a programmable thermostat set it lower during the hours you away.

 2. Change Your Filters Often: Clean or replace the filters for your furnace and central heating system on a semi-annual basis. It is also a good idea to clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators.  You will be amazed how this one task can have an impact on you electric bill.

3.  Caulk & Sea Windows and Doors: If you live in an older home, it’s likely you have single pane windows and old or missing caulk. Stop air leaks by applying caulk around window frames

Saving tips

and sashes and door panels. You can also caulk and weather-strip around exterior seams, cracks and openings. A draft guard along the bottom of an exterior door also can help prevent heat from escaping.

4. Use Energy Efficient Bulbs: A simple change of bulb can save you money. LED light bulbs use 85% less energy.  You may pay a little more upfront but the benefits are two fold. Not only will you save money but they last up to five years.

5. Shades and Drapes: When it’s cold outside, keep drapes and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your home, and then you can close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

drapes and shades

6.  Contact Your Energy Provider: If your energy bills seem higher than normal contact you energy company.For example BGE has a program you can enroll in that help ease the pain of large costs.  Their Budget Billing program which spreads payments over a 12-month period, making larger bills from increased energy usage more manageable.  For info on this program and other contact BGE online or email myhomerep@bge.com.

Remember little changes can have a big impact.  So take a some time to evaluate what improvements will work for your property. Good luck and stay warm!

Photo Credit: gosmith.com, drapesandmoreinteriors.com