Whether you’ve just moved into a house for rent or have been renting a house for some time, understanding the impact of utilities is essential. Utilities inevitably contribute to your monthly expenses, but by optimizing your energy usage, you can save money and live more sustainably.
In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of practical steps renters can take to make a real difference. In short:
Key Utilities That Could Be Costing You Money
The utilities that power your rental home can vary slightly by location, but most houses for rent rely on electricity, water, and, in some cases, natural gas. Each of these can become surprisingly expensive if not properly managed.
As a renter, you may not have the same control that homeowners do, such as upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or overseeing regular maintenance. Still, there are plenty of ways to reduce energy use within the limits of a rental.
Simple changes to your daily habits can make a significant impact on both your utility bills and your environmental footprint. In addition, many energy-saving solutions that don’t require permanent changes can be easily installed. And, if needed, just as easily removed when your lease ends.
Improve Your Electrical Efficiency
Reducing your electricity usage is one of the best ways to optimize energy usage in your home.
1. Banish Phantom Energy Consumption
Keeping chargers plugged in is convenient, but it also consumes energy. This is known as “phantom energy”; even when not in use, charging cables and appliances draw a small, constant flow of electricity. By simply unplugging devices when they’re not in use, you can start saving both energy and money.
2. Maximize Appliance Usage
From refrigerators to washing machines, your home likely contains many appliances. Energy Star-rated appliances are a smart upgrade, and investing in them could be worthwhile if you’re replacing older, less efficient models provided by your landlord. If you decide to buy your own, make sure to get your landlord’s approval and ask if they can store the old appliances.
If you can’t replace appliances, you can still optimize them:
- Fridge/Freezer: Set the fridge to 37°F and the freezer to 0°F to save energy. Keep them full to maintain temperature, filling extra space with water bottles if needed.
- Cooker: Use the right burner size for your pots and pans to avoid wasting energy. Cover pots with lids when boiling or cooking stews to reduce cooking time and save energy.
- Washing machine, dishwasher, etc.: Run these appliances with full loads and use energy-saving settings whenever possible to conserve water and energy.
If any appliance starts to function poorly, be sure to contact your landlord and let them know there’s a problem. A faulty appliance will often eat up energy, so it’s important to fix the issue as quickly as possible.
3. See the Light
Switching old light bulbs and lamps to modern, energy-efficient LEDs or CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) is an easy upgrade any renter can make. This can reduce your lighting energy use by up to 80% while lasting much longer than standard bulbs.
Another great way to save energy is to maximize natural light in your home. Throw those curtains wide open and move any furniture blocking sunlight from entering your rooms.
Prevent Water Waste
Water waste is costly, not just financially, but environmentally too. Fortunately, there are several ways to conserve water in your rental home.
1. Adopt Water-Saving Habits
The easiest way to save water is by adjusting your daily habits. While a long, hot shower can feel luxurious, reducing your shower time will quickly cut water use. Setting a timer can help keep you on track. Similarly, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes can save a significant amount of water.
2. Have Leaks Fixed Promptly
Leaky faucets or pipes may seem minor, but those slow drips add up quickly. If you notice any leaks, no matter how small, contact your landlord to have them repaired promptly. Fixing leaks not only lowers your water bills but also helps prevent dampness and mold.
3. Install Water-Saving Solutions
Water-saving devices like low-flow showerheads and faucets are effective ways to reduce water use. These are generally easy to install — just be sure to get your landlord’s permission first.
Keep On Top of Heating & Cooling
Heating and cooling systems in houses can be fairly extensive and seemingly small problems can soon lead to big energy costs.
1. Maintain HVAC Units
Regular maintenance is usually the landlord’s job, but it’s worth reminding them if filters haven’t been checked lately. Filters generally need cleaning or replacing at least once a year — more often in extreme climates. Report any issues promptly.
2. Set Sensible Temperatures
Save energy by adjusting the thermostat when you’re away — closer to ambient temperature — and using timers to avoid heating or cooling unnecessarily. On cold days, avoid setting the heat too high and try alternative ways to stay warm.
3. Keep Warm Air In
Seal drafts around windows and doors with curtains or window film to prevent heat loss. Report major insulation problems to your landlord.
Making a few simple changes can really help lower your bills and cut down on wasted energy. Plus, many of these tips don’t require any permanent changes, so you can easily take them with you when you move in.
Image credits: Studio Romantic; Irina Strelnikova/Shutterstock.com
