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There are many benefits to running an energy-efficient household. It supports the environment, reduces unnecessary electricity consumption, and helps you as the consumer to have a lower energy bill each month. In fact, making significant changes to your energy usage can reduce your monthly expense by as much as 25%. Here are six ways you can conserve energy and reduce your carbon footprint while renting an apartment. 

Monitor Your A/C 

One of the most significant ways to temper your energy use is by lowering your air conditioner whenever you leave home. By doing this, you can have cost savings between 4% to 8% for every degree the temperature is raised. If you live in a climate where it is cool in the evenings, you may even be able to turn off your A/C unit completely at night as you sleep. Monitoring your apartment’s temperature can go a long way in saving your energy bill. 

Clear Your Vents 

If your air conditioner vents are not cleaned regularly, your unit will have to work much harder, therefore consuming more energy, to cool your apartment. A vital way to keep your A/C unit working efficiently is by changing out the filters regularly. Over time, a filter becomes clogged with dust and particles that it pulls from the air within your home. Replacing old filters with new, clean ones can lower your A/C unit’s energy usage by 5% to 15%.  

Clean Your Coils 

Another major cost-saving can be achieved in your apartment’s kitchen. Because most apartments include a fridge, this isn’t exactly an item you can change out for a newer or more energy-efficient appliance. You can still reduce your energy use by cleaning the coils twice a year, which has the potential for up to a 40% improvement in energy efficiency.  

Use Your Ceiling Fan 

You may think that running your ceiling fan could be unhelpful in energy savings because it still uses electricity. However, a fan can reduce the temperature of a room by about four degrees. Because the air is circulating more frequently, your A/C unit can also cool the room quickly and efficiently. 

Change Your Light Bulbs 

More than likely, you are responsible for changing the lights in your apartment’s fixtures and the supplemental light you add from lamps or decorative lighting. Ensure you are using quality, energy-efficient LED light bulbs with an Energy Star rating. An 8 or 9-watt LED bulb produces as much light as a 60-watt traditional incandescent bulb, while using significantly less energy. Because LED bulbs also last much longer than incandescent bulbs, you will not be spending money as frequently to replace the bulbs when they burn out. 

Hang Window Treatments 

If your apartment has large windows, this can impact the temperature of your home as the sun naturally warms your interior space. Window treatments, such as curtains or blinds, block the sun’s rays and help deflect the heat. Blinds that have been fully closed against a window with direct sunlight can reduce interior heat by 45%. Closed curtains can reduce interior heat gain by 33%. If your apartment already provides blinds, keep these closed during the day and consider installing curtains for an additional heat barrier. 

By keeping your energy use low, you help both the environment and your wallet. Your apartment complex can also help you with energy efficiency by providing regular maintenance and energy-efficient appliances. To learn more about renting in the Middle Tennessee region, contact the experts at MMC Properties today.