How a Tenant Can Save on Electricity Bills
No matter where you live, you are likely to experience rising prices for energy, gas and water. Those who own their home can invest in upgrades such as new windows, appliances, or insulation to save money on utility bills.
But renters probably don’t want to spend their money on improving a home they don’t own. Also, if tenants are responsible for their energy bills, landlords may not pay to furnish the space with new appliances, double-glazed windows, or otherwise make it more efficient. Fortunately, there are several ways to save money on your energy bills. Here’s what you need to know.
How tenants can save on their energy bills
A few relatively small investments and upgrades can have a significant impact on tenants’ electricity bills. Here are some examples:
Switch to LED lamps
When you moved in, there were probably a few fixtures – perhaps on the ceiling or in closets – with light bulbs. Check light bulbs: if they are incandescent bulbs, replacing them with LED bulbs can lower your energy bills.
Perform refrigerator maintenance
The lights go on and off, but your fridge is always on . Make sure you don’t pay more than what’s necessary to keep it on at its set temperature of 35°F to 38°F. It doesn’t need to be colder than this to do its job and will use more power than it needs to. .
While you are there, remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated around the coils and condenser unit behind and under the refrigerator. Keeping these areas clean improves refrigerator performance, which means less energy is needed to keep food warm.
Use advanced extension cords
Many electrical and electronic devices consume power when plugged in, whether they are actually turned on or in use. Of course, you can disable anything that you are not currently using. Or you can switch to advanced power strips that automatically turn off power when appliances are not in use, eliminating unnecessary power consumption.