This article is your guide to how to save on utilities in your apartment. Living in an apartment comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to managing energy usage and keeping utility costs down. With a few simple changes and some mindful habits, you can significantly reduce your electric bill without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Just simple things like changing out light bulbs or using smart timers can help you save on your energy bill.
In this guide, we will cover tips and strategies for people to learn how to save on utilities in their apartments in 2024.
Here at The Energy Professor, we want to give you the information you need to not only save money on your energy bill but also to become more energy efficient. We hope find this post helpful and it makes it easier for you to know more about saving on your energy bill in apartments. Be sure to check out our one-of-a-kind energy savings calculator!
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How to Save on Utilities in Apartments
As someone who lives in an apartment, I know the pain of getting those monthly utility bills and paying for my space. I’ve learned a few things while living in apartments over the last 10 years, mainly that, your bills might be higher than you think for a small space! So, with that being said, there are really simple things I’ve done like replacing all my bulbs with LED bulbs and being aware of my water usage (water bills are huge in some areas!).
There are plenty of tips to save on your apartment utilities, and you can read about them below.
Tips on How to Save on Utilities in an Apartment
- Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs: Switching to LED or CFL bulbs can reduce energy consumption by up to 80%
- Replace the Air Filter Every Three Months: Regularly replacing the air filter in your HVAC system ensures optimal performance and lower energy consumption
- Weatherstrip Your Windows and doors: Seal off any gaps or cracks around windows or doors with weatherstripping to improve insulation and prevent heat loss, reducing energy usage and lowering utility bills.
- Smart Power Strips: Combat phantom energy consumption by using smart power strips that automatically cut power to electronic devices when they’re not in use
- Be Air Conditioning Conscious: Raise the thermostat setting on your air conditioning unit by a few degrees to minimize energy usage and save money on cooling costs during the summer months.
- Utilize Curtains: Use curtains or blinds strategically to block out sunlight and prevent heat buildup in the summer, while letting sunlight in to warm your apartment in the winter naturally.
- Be Mindful of Water Usage: Lowering the temp on your water heater and taking shorter showers can save you big on your electric and water bill
By implementing these tips, you can effectively lower your electric bill and save money on utilities in your apartment while also reducing your environmental footprint.
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Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
One of the easiest and most effective ways to lower your electric bill is by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs. Traditional incandescent bulbs consume a lot of energy and generate excess heat, contributing to higher electricity costs. By replacing them with LED or CFL bulbs, you can reduce energy consumption by up to 80% and enjoy longer-lasting illumination. These bulbs might have a slightly higher upfront cost, but the long-term savings far outweigh the initial investment.
Related post: How to Choose the Best LED Lightbulbs
Replace the Air Filter Every Three Months
Maintaining a clean air filter in your HVAC system is essential for efficient operation and lower energy consumption. A clogged or dirty filter restricts airflow, causing your HVAC system to work harder and consume more electricity. Make it a habit to replace the air filter every three months to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency. Not only will this help lower your electric bill, but it will also improve indoor air quality and extend the lifespan of your HVAC equipment.
Related post: 6 Easy Tips for Air Circulation At Home
Weatherstrip Your Windows and Doors
Drafty windows can be a major source of heat loss in any living space, leading to increased energy usage and higher utility bills. Combat this problem by weatherstripping your windows to seal off any gaps or cracks where air could escape. This inexpensive and easy-to-implement solution can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your apartment, keeping warm air in during the winter and out during the summer.
We found that almost every single front door seal in our apartments has been drafty, not only making it hard to regulate the temperature but also letting in bugs! Use door sweeps or draft stoppers to prevent cold drafts from entering your apartment during the winter months. By minimizing air leaks and improving insulation, you can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs while enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.
Related post: How to Weatherize Your Home to Save Energy
Smart Power Strips
Did you know that many electronic devices continue to draw power even when they’re turned off? This phenomenon, known as phantom energy, can contribute to unnecessary electricity consumption and inflate your utility bills. Combat phantom energy by using smart power strips that automatically cut power to connected devices when they’re not in use. By eliminating standby power draw, you can save money and reduce your environmental footprint without sacrificing convenience.
Related post: What is an Outlet Timer and How Does it Save Energy?
Be Air Conditioning Conscious
Air conditioning can account for a significant portion of your electric bill, especially during the sweltering summer months. To minimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort, consider raising the temperature setting on your thermostat by a few degrees. Every degree higher can result in substantial energy savings over time. Additionally, make sure your air conditioning unit is properly maintained and free of debris to ensure optimal efficiency.
Even when we lived in Florida, we still kept our air conditioning at around 72 to not pay dearly for it on our bill. That sometimes meant wearing shorts and t-shirts and using ceiling fans, but it did help save on our bill.
Related post: What is a Good Temperature for AC?
Utilize Curtains
Using curtains or blinds can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce the need for heating or cooling. During hot summer days, keep curtains closed to block out sunlight and prevent heat buildup. In the winter, open curtains during the day to let sunlight in and naturally warm your apartment, then close them at night to retain heat. This simple yet effective strategy can help lower your electric bill year-round.
We typically rotate throughout the day, keeping blinds open in the morning, and then shutting them in the afternoon and evening to help retain a comfortable temperature.
Related post: Complete Guide on How to Lower Your Energy Bill: 8 Tricks to Reduce Your Energy Bill
Be Mindful of Water Usage
Your water heater is another major contributor to your electric bill, especially if it’s inefficient or poorly maintained. To maximize energy savings, consider lowering the temperature on your water heater to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This can help reduce standby heat loss and save you money without sacrificing comfort.
We found out the hard way when moving to Washington state that water can cost you if you aren’t efficient. Limit the amount of lavish showers and baths and you should be able to save on your next utility bill.
Related post: 5 Ways To Reduce Your Water Charge
Do you Need Cheaper Electricity?
If you’ve taken the time to understand the information on your bill and discovered you’re paying more than you’d like for your electricity, have you looked around for a cheaper deal? The Energy Professor has a wealth of information on ways to save on your utilities, including details of top deals that could significantly reduce your monthly or quarterly electricity bills.
We hope you found this article helpful! If you are looking for ways to increase energy efficiency and sustainability in your home be sure to take a look at all of the latest renewable energy options in your area. The Energy Professor helps residential and small business owners find qualified energy suppliers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
