Renters - Take Control of Your Energy Bill

Even if you rent an apartment, you still have control over your electric bill. No, you can't go out and buy Energy Efficient Windows or a new Energy Efficient Roof for your landlord, but there are many things you CAN do. Some are very easy and some require a bit of effort, but every little bit helps! Whenever you can reduce your energy usage, you will save money AND help the environment.

Take a look at these energy saving ideas. One of them may just help you save energy and money in your apartment home.

1. Window Coverings

Windows let in the sunlight to brighten your home. They can also let in the heat and cold if they are not energy efficient. If you can talk your landlord into buying new windows, great! If not, window coverings could really help and you can take them with you when you move. They can be inexpensive and easy to find at home improvement stores, home design stores and online.

When it's warm out keeping out the sun will also keep out the heat. Try using:

~Blinds and Curtains - most apartments come with some sort of blinds or curtains but they may not be enough. Combining them with window shades and/or window film can help keep even more heat out.

~Window Shades - thicker than curtains to keep more sun out. The variety of fabrics and colors can also help you personalize your home a bit.

~Window film - this is like tinting your windows. You can buy film by the roll and it's temporary so you can remove it when you move. This film comes in different colors and designs that you can have fun with.

2. Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

These are great because they are an inexpensive investment and, like window coverings, you can take them with you when you move.

Compact Fluorescent Lights or CFL's are super energy efficient, using about 1/3 the energy of regular light bulbs and they last much longer. You can find them at home improvement stores, hardware stores and sometimes in supermarkets or you can order them online.

CFL's are more expensive than regular bulbs but will quickly pay for themselves by saving you energy. And all you have to do is change a light bulb.

3. Use the Clothes Dryer Less

Using the dryers down in the laundry room can be expensive and harsh on your clothes. You may be lucky enough to have a washer and dryer in your home, but the electricity to run them will cost you. So, instead of using the dryer, try hanging out your clothes using drying racks, camping clothes lines, even stair banisters - whatever works for you and the space you have. You can get inexpensive drying racks at places like Target and Bed Bath and Beyond and cheap camping clothes lines at sporting goods and camping stores.

In an apartment, hanging out clothes is a bit of an effort and may take some creativity but every load of laundry you keep out of the dryer, the more money you can save.

Visit MakeYourHomeEnergyEfficient for more energy saving ideas for any home.

Home Remodeling Books
Bathroom Books