{"id":2450,"date":"2015-10-14T10:30:30","date_gmt":"2015-10-14T14:30:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.renthop.com\/blog\/?p=2450"},"modified":"2015-10-14T10:31:21","modified_gmt":"2015-10-14T14:31:21","slug":"how-to-make-your-apartment-more-energy-efficient-this-fall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/blog\/how-to-make-your-apartment-more-energy-efficient-this-fall\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Your Apartment More Energy Efficient This Fall"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the heat of summer transitions into the cool of autumn, it\u2019s time to start thinking about the energy efficiency of your apartment. Not only is it your civic duty to reduce your energy consumption, but it can also have a very real impact on your monthly expenses. Let\u2019s take a look at some of the best tips and tricks for making your New York City apartment<\/a> more eco-friendly and efficient during the fall and winter.<\/p>\n

Why Cutting Energy Usage Matters<\/h2>\n

Have you ever stopped and thought to yourself, why does being energy efficient matter? While you always hear people talk about energy efficiency, carbon footprints, and living green, why is it relevant to you? Well, there are three primary reasons:<\/p>\n

Cheaper Utility Costs<\/h3>\n

The obvious and most direct benefit to you \u2013 as a renter \u2013 is the fact that you can lower your monthly utility costs<\/a> by using less energy. This one doesn\u2019t really need any further explanation.<\/p>\n

Fewer HVAC Issues<\/h3>\n

Nothing is more frustrating than dealing with HVAC issues when it\u2019s the middle of summer or winter. By relieving some of the burden, you can extend the life of the system and ensure breakdowns are fewer and farther between.<\/p>\n

Local Environment<\/h3>\n

It may be hard to grasp, but your energy consumption actually plays a direct role in your immediate environment. If everyone bands together to use less energy and reduce their apartment\u2019s carbon footprint, the community can be healthier as a whole.<\/p>\n

9 Tips to Make Your Apartment Energy Efficient<\/h2>\n

Now let\u2019s look at some specific tips for increasing the energy efficiency of your apartment this winter:<\/p>\n

1. Replace Frequently Used Light Bulbs\"Energy1\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Did you know that lighting is one of easiest places to start? By replacing your five most used light fixtures with ENERGY STAR alternatives, you can save over $65 per year. This is because compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) emit high quality light, while using 75 percent less energy<\/a>. They also last between six and ten times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs.<\/p>\n

2. Wrap the Hot Water Heater\"Energy2\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Is your hot water heater in your apartment, or do you have access to it? If so, you should pay attention to its settings. Tweak the settings until you can get it to the lowest comfortable temperature point. The lower the setting, the less water the heater has to heat. This ultimately results in more savings and less wasted energy. You should also think about buying an insulated wrap for your heater. These blankets pay for themselves within a year by reducing standby heat loss by as much as 45 percent<\/a> and saving between four and nine percent of your overall water heating costs.<\/p>\n

3. Shrink Wrap Windows<\/h3>\n

Your windows are one of the biggest problem areas in the entire apartment. During the winter, they let expensive hot air out and allow drafts of cold air to come in. This makes your heating system work hard \u2013 escalating your energy consumption and costing you more. Many renters swear that the best and cheapest way to insulate windows is to apply shrink wrap. Others suggest using draft stoppers at the bottom of windows.<\/p>\n

4. Use Power Strips\"Energy3\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s always a good idea to power down electronics that aren\u2019t in use. Despite this, so many people leave things like televisions, computers, chargers, gaming consoles, and stereos plugged in 24\/7 because it simply isn\u2019t practical to go around unplugging devices all the time. Well, here\u2019s your solution: use power strips. This allows you to press a single button to turn off an entire set of electronics. This can save you a few dollars each month and extends the useful life of your devices.<\/p>\n

Learn more:<\/p>\n