Interested in learning more about what we do? Let's Talk!
July 30, 2025
Whether you are a seasoned renter or are planning to move into your first place, it can seem challenging to know how to lower your electric bill in an apartment or rented home. While you may not have the opportunity to change out appliances and systems, there are still plenty of ways to reduce energy without reducing your comfort.
Here are energy-saving tips for apartments and rented spaces:
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of utilities when searching for a rental.
Take note of the appliances in the unit when touring a home. Generally, older appliances are less energy efficient, meanwhile, those with an ENERGY STAR label indicate higher efficiency.
Make sure to ask about the heating and cooling systems and request average or estimated utility costs.
The highest energy-using appliances in homes.
Space heaters are one of the most expensive ways to heat your home. If you are using a space heater, make sure it is designed to heat the size of the room it’s used in and look for one with thermostat and timer settings to save energy and prevent overheating.
Electric blankets are a cost-effective alternative for extra warmth in the winter, as they use much less energy and provide direct warmth.
Keeping your refrigerator coils and HVAC system clear of dust and debris can help them perform more efficiently. Vacuum the dust from underneath and behind your refrigerator and from your HVAC vents and ducts.
Check with your landlord to understand who’s responsible for changing furnace filters, as these should be replaced every three months at a minimum.
Preventing drafts from windows and doors keeps outdoor air from impacting your home’s temperature. Applying weatherstripping to doors and windows and applying plastic to windows can minimize unwanted drafts.
Adjust the temperature a few degrees if you plan to be away from home for more than a couple of hours. If your home has a smart thermostat, use it to automatically adjust the temperature based on outdoor conditions and your occupancy settings.
However, if your home uses a heat pump, keep the thermostat at a consistent, moderate temperature when in heating mode to avoid negating energy savings.
Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of ceiling fans to help you save on both heating and cooling costs.
LEDs use about 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than other lightbulbs. Smart LED bulbs can also connect to your smartphone, giving you even more control over your lighting.
Shop LEDs through our Online Savings store for special pricing.
Strategically using your curtains can help heat and cool your home throughout the seasons. During the summer, keeping your blinds shut on south-facing windows during the daytime can reduce sun-derived heat. In the winter months, open the curtains to take advantage of this extra warmth from the sun.
If you plan to use your own window AC unit, make sure it's sized correctly for the room you are operating it in. Oversized appliances can result in inefficient operation and increased humidity levels. To compare your unit with the size of your space, refer to this ENERGY STAR guide.
Don’t forget to take advantage of Efficiency Smart’s rebates on qualifying window units.
Heating water takes up about 90% of the energy used to operate a washing machine. Switching to cold water when washing your clothes is a simple way to save energy and maintain the quality of your garments.
Small leaks can also lead to big costs for water heating and water expenses. If you notice your faucets are constantly dripping, put in a maintenance request with your landlord.
Some household products will continue to use energy even when turned off. Unplug electronics that are infrequently utilized or plug them into an advanced power strip to prevent wasted energy.
Are you looking for more ways to save energy and money? Were here to help. Contact Efficiency Smart at 877-889-3777 or [email protected] for more information.
Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. To learn more about how we use cookies, please review our Privacy Policy.