Energy Advice for Renters: How to Save Energy Without Making Building Changes
Energy Advice for Renters: How to Save Energy Without Making Building Changes
If you rent your home, it can sometimes feel like your options for saving energy are limited. You can’t replace windows, add insulation, or install solar panels—but there’s still a lot you can do to cut your energy use and lower your bills. Small changes in daily habits, smarter use of electricity and heating, and conscious choices around your home can make a real difference. Here’s a practical guide to help renters save energy without making any building modifications.
Know Your Energy Use—and Find the Hidden Energy Hogs
The first step to saving energy is understanding where it goes. Many U.S. utility companies offer online tools or apps that show your energy use over time. Use these to spot patterns—like whether your usage spikes when you’re home or if certain appliances seem to run constantly.
Common energy hogs in rental homes include:
- Old refrigerators and freezers that run continuously and use a lot of power.
- Electronics on standby, such as TVs, routers, and chargers.
- Space heaters, which can quickly drive up your electric bill.
A simple plug-in energy monitor can show how much electricity each device uses. Once you know which ones consume the most, you can focus your efforts where they’ll have the biggest impact.
Save on Heating—Without Freezing
Heating is often the largest part of a renter’s energy bill, especially in colder climates. While you can’t change the heating system, you can use it more efficiently.
- Keep a steady temperature—around 68°F when you’re home and lower when you’re asleep or away. Lowering the thermostat by just one degree can save about 3% on heating costs.
- Let in the sun—open curtains during the day to take advantage of natural warmth, and close them at night to keep heat in.
- Avoid blocking vents or radiators with furniture or curtains so warm air can circulate freely.
- Seal drafts temporarily with removable weatherstripping or draft stoppers around windows and doors.
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, use it to automatically lower the temperature when you’re not home.
Use Electricity Wisely
Electricity savings often come from small, consistent habits. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort—just use energy more thoughtfully.
- Turn off devices completely when not in use. Standby power can account for up to 10% of your electricity bill.
- Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 80% less energy and last much longer than incandescent bulbs.
- Run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine, and use cold water when possible.
- Air-dry clothes instead of using the dryer, or use the dryer’s moisture sensor setting to avoid over-drying.
- Unplug chargers once devices are fully charged.
If your utility offers time-of-use rates, try running major appliances during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper.
Cut Hot Water Use
Water heating is another major energy expense. Reducing hot water use saves both water and energy.
- Take shorter showers—cutting a 10-minute shower to 5 minutes can nearly halve your hot water use.
- Install a low-flow showerhead or faucet aerator; they’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can reduce water use by up to 40%.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Wash clothes in cold water—modern detergents clean just as well without heat.
These small changes don’t require your landlord’s approval and can pay off quickly.
Arrange Your Space with Energy in Mind
Even how you set up your home can affect energy use.
- Move furniture away from exterior walls to avoid drafts and stay warmer.
- Use rugs and curtains to add insulation and make rooms feel cozier.
- Take advantage of natural light to reduce the need for lamps during the day.
If you need extra warmth, consider a small, energy-efficient space heater with a thermostat and safety shutoff—just use it sparingly and only in occupied rooms.
Work with Your Landlord
While you can’t make structural changes, you can still encourage your landlord to think about energy efficiency. If you notice drafty windows, broken thermostats, or outdated lighting in common areas, bring it up. Many landlords appreciate suggestions that can lower operating costs or make the property more comfortable.
You can also ask about installing individual meters for heat or water, or about participating in local energy-efficiency programs—many utilities and states offer rebates for upgrades that benefit both tenants and property owners.
Læs også:
Small Steps, Big Impact
Saving energy doesn’t always require big investments. For renters, it’s the combination of small, everyday actions that adds up. By being mindful of your energy use, using appliances efficiently, and adjusting your habits, you can lower your bills and reduce your environmental footprint—all without making a single change to the building itself.
Læs også:
