You don’t need to own your home to start saving on electricity. If you rent an apartment or house and want lower energy bills, there’s a lot you can do without knocking down walls or replacing appliances. This guide walks through renter-friendly energy efficiency tips that help cut costs and keep your place comfortable.
Why Renters Should Care About Energy Efficiency
Renters often assume energy savings are only possible with major upgrades, but the truth is that your habits and small purchases can make a big difference. Most electricity use in an apartment comes from heating and cooling, lighting, and electronics. And with a few smart changes, you can manage these more efficiently and reduce your bill without asking your landlord to remodel.
Easy Wins That Save Every Month
1. Switch to LED Light Bulbs
If your rental still has incandescent or halogen bulbs, replace them with LEDs. They're up to 80 percent more efficient and last far longer. If you move, you can take them with you.
2. Use Smart Power Strips
Even when off, many electronics still draw power. Smart power strips automatically shut off energy to devices that aren’t being used. They’re great for TVs, gaming consoles, or computer setups.
3. Block Drafts With Weather Strips
Use removable weather stripping or draft stoppers to seal leaky doors and windows. These small gaps can let in heat or cold and make your air conditioner or heater work harder.
4. Adjust the Thermostat Smartly
If your rental has a manual thermostat, turn it up a few degrees in summer and down in winter when you're not home. If your landlord allows it, a basic programmable thermostat can be installed and removed later.
5. Use Fans the Right Way
Ceiling and box fans don’t cool rooms, they just cool people. Use them while you’re home and turn them off when you leave. In winter, reverse ceiling fan direction to push warm air down.
Kitchen and Laundry Tips
6. Run Full Loads
Whether it’s the dishwasher or the washing machine, wait until you have a full load. This reduces the number of times the machines need to run and saves both energy and water.
7. Air Dry When You Can
Skip the dryer and hang clothes when possible. It also helps keep your place cooler in the summer.
8. Use the Right Cookware
Use lids when cooking to keep heat in, and match pot size to burner size to avoid wasted energy.
Bathroom and Water Habits
9. Take Shorter, Cooler Showers
Water heaters use a lot of electricity. Shortening your shower or turning the temperature down slightly can lead to measurable savings.
10. Turn Off Exhaust Fans
Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans pull out cooled or heated air. Make sure to turn them off once they’ve done their job.
Tech Tools That Help
11. Track Your Usage
If your provider offers a usage dashboard, check it regularly. Seeing patterns can help you adjust habits during peak hours or high-usage days.
12. Plug Into Smart Plugs
Smart plugs let you schedule devices to turn off automatically or track usage over time. You’ll know exactly what’s using the most electricity and can cut waste.
Deal with Sunlight Wisely
13. Close Curtains During the Heat
In summer, closing blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day can keep rooms cooler. In winter, open them during the day to let in warmth and close them at night to keep it in.
Talk to Your Landlord
If you’re renting long-term, it may be worth having a conversation about energy upgrades. Some landlords are open to improvements if you offer to split costs or show how it benefits the property, such as:
Installing a smart thermostat
Upgrading old appliances
Improving insulation
Just make sure you get approval before making any changes beyond temporary or removable items.
Living in a rental doesn’t mean you’re stuck with high bills. Most of the tips in this guide are low-cost, easy to implement, and fully reversible, making them perfect for renters who want to save money without permanent changes.
FAQs
Can I install a smart thermostat in my apartment?
Sometimes. You’ll need to check with your landlord and make sure it can be installed and removed without damage.
Do power strips really save electricity?
Yes, especially smart power strips that stop energy flow to devices that are off or in standby mode.
What’s the cheapest way to lower my electricity bill as a renter?
Switching to LED bulbs, sealing drafts, and adjusting thermostat use are low-cost changes that make a big impact.
Does unplugging appliances actually help?
Yes. Many electronics draw “phantom” power even when turned off. Unplugging or using smart plugs cuts this waste.
Can I see how much energy I’m using each day?
If your provider offers a customer portal, check for a usage dashboard. You can often see daily or hourly usage trends to help manage your habits.
