Most renters now pay their electric bills directly, instead of as a fixed amount included in their rent. That means that you can exercise some control over this part of your living expenses. The following suggestions can help you save as much as 30 percent or more on your electric bill.
ELECTRICITY CONSERVATION TIPS
- Clean or replace the air conditioning and practice heating systems filter before it becomes overloaded with dust or lint. Once a month is recommended. A dirty filter restricts air flow and increases energy use.
- Avoid unnecessary opening of doors and windows and be sure they are not left open.
- Check weather stripping on all doors and windows to prevent air infiltration.
- In summer, use bathroom exhaust fan during and for short time after bathing or showering to
reduce heat and moisture build-up. - In summer, keep the sun out by closing draperies, blinds or shades. This helps reduce the
energy required to cool your apartment. - In summer, a thermostat set at 78 degrees is recommended if the apartment is occupied. Your kilowatt-hour usage for cooling increases approximately 3% for each degree of temperature setting below 78 degrees. During unoccupied hours, turn off the air conditioner.
- In winter, a thermostat set at 68 degrees or lower during the day when the apartment is occupied is recommended. Your kilowatt-hour usage for heating increases approximately 3% for each degree of temperature setting above 68 degrees. Lower thermostat setting to 55 degrees during sleeping hours.
- During sunny winter days, open draperies, blinds or shades on the sunny side to let the sun help warm your apartment. Close them at night and on cloudy days, to act as insulation against the cold air outside.
- In apartments with fireplaces make sure the damper is closed when not in use to prevent conditional air from escaping up the chimney.
- Operate the dishwasher only when fully loaded, avoid rinse and hold cycles. For additional savings, don’t use the drying cycle.
- When using the electric range, plan ahead and cook a number of dishes or meals for later use. Open oven doors only when necessary.
- Reduce the water heater thermostat setting to 120o F and reduce use of heated water for clothes washing. (Caution-some dishwashers require 140o F water.)
WATER CONSERVATION TIPS
Bathroom Conservation-
About 75 percent of the water used inside a home is used in the bathroom. Be aware of the amount of water being used and look for ways to use less whenever possible.
- Report all plumbing leaks.
- Check your toilet for a leak.
- Don’t use the toilet as a trash can.
- Take short showers rather than baths.
- Instead of allowing the tap water to run while brushing your teeth, just run the tap to rinse your toothbrush.
Kitchen Conservation-
About 8 percent of in-home water use takes place in the kitchen. Keep water conservation in mind and think of ways that water can be saved in the kitchen.
- Wait until you have a full load of dishes or clothes to run your automatic machines.
- Run water in the faucet only when necessary.
Washing Machine-
The washing machine alone uses 14 percent of the water used inside the house. Remember to only wash full loads.