How to Save Energy (and Money) When Renting an Apartment

Lighting

The first tip on our list is a no-brainer - turn off the lights in your apartment when they aren't in use. When they are in use, try using compact fluorescent lights instead of regular incandescent light bulbs. While they are more expensive, fluorescent bulbs will pay for themselves many times over in the long run, as they consume about a quarter of the power and last up to 10 times longer than regular bulbs.

Heating and Cooling

It's much more cost-efficient to use a fan during the summer months instead of an air conditioner. However, if you absolutely have to use an air conditioner (for medical reasons such as asthma, etc.), try to keep it on a lower setting and at a slightly higher temperature. Don't forget to turn off your A/C when leaving the apartment - most window units cool the apartment very quickly, so there's no need to keep them running while you're away. You can reduce your need to crank up the air conditioner by using window shades that reduce the amount of heat coming into your apartment - this is particularly useful if your apartment has windows that receive direct sunlight.

Hydro bills tend to skyrocket in the winter, as most apartment rentals use some form of electric heating. Portable and baseboard electric heaters consume a ton of energy, but by setting the overall temperature in your apartment a couple of degrees lower during the winter, you'll end up saving quite a bit of money in the long run.

Don't forget, heating also includes the amount of hot water used in your apartment. To cut back on the energy used in this area, install an energy-efficient showerhead in the bathroom. Some landlords will even install one for you - all you have to do is ask!

Furniture and Electronics

First, you need to arrange your apartment furniture in a way that doesn't block or obstruct any heat vents, radiators or baseboard heaters. You'll also have to make sure your drapes or curtains don't fall onto or in front of the baseboards - not only will they block the heat from entering your apartment, but it's a fire hazard too! If the heat sources in your apartment are blocked, you'll probably end up raising the thermostat even higher to try to generate more heat, which will only lead to more energy consumed.

Computers and other electronics, particularly laser printers, can really run up your hydro bills. While the computer itself doesn't really use a lot of energy, keeping it powered-up 24/7 will have an impact on your wallet in the long run. Make the most of your computer's energy-saving settings, which can automatically turn off your monitor and shut down your hard drive if they are not in use for a certain period of time. If you are leaving your computer for just a few hours you should put into “sleep mode", which uses significantly less power but still allows it to boot up quickly when you return.

Cooking and Storing Your Food

When you're cooking in your apartment, try to minimize the number of times you have to open the door to examine your food. All of the heat that escapes from your oven when you open the door is energy lost - energy that will still show up on your bill at the end of the month. Also remember to match the size of any pots or skillets you use on the stovetop elements. There's no need to use the energy required to heat up the largest element when you're only using the smallest pot in the kitchen. You can also reduce your cooking times by thawing frozen foods in the refrigerator beforehand.

Speaking of the refrigerator, there's no need to store your food at the coldest temperature possible - doing so only wastes power, as your food will still remain safe to eat if it's stored at a warmer (but still cool) temperature. As well, remember not to overcrowd the fridge and freezer. The doors must close snugly and form a tight seal, or else warm air will creep in and force the fridge to work harder and use more energy to keep your food cool.

By following the handy tips listed above, you can save big-time money on the amount of utilities you pay each month for your apartment for rent - giving you more cash in your wallet to spend on the other things in your life.