Although apartment units are much smaller than houses, the amount of energy consumed is surprisingly similar to the amount used by a single family home. High energy bills are often a reflection of the amount of electrical appliances and devices left running in the home throughout the day, however the largest percentage of energy consumption is a result of inefficient devices being left on throughout the day. Because many apartment dwellers choose to rent while they save for a home, it’s important to cut costs in every way possible. Surprisingly, the largest percentage of our energy bills come from our daily habits. Today, let’s take a look at three easy ways you can lower your apartment energy bills.
1. Unplug Unused Devices
One of the most common reasons apartment tenants see their electricity bill rise is because they forget (or don’t see the need) to unplug electrical devices and appliances that aren’t in use. Surprisingly, even when appliances such as printers and microwaves are in stand-by mode, they are still pulling small amounts of electricity and subsequently raising your electricity bill. Instead of leaving things plugged into the wall when they’re not being used, remember to unplug phone chargers, microwaves, and printers after you’re done with them.
2. Buy Energy Star Products
A recent focus on environmental sustainability has shed some light on the amount of fossil fuels used to generate residential electricity. As a result, many appliance manufacturers have begun selling Energy Star products, which are designed to operate on minimal amounts of energy. If you are interested in reducing your energy bill, try purchasing energy star certified products like television and radios.
3. Change your Laundry Habits
Although many people don’t realize how much their laundry habits are effecting their electricity bill, electrical hot water heaters are one of the primary culprits for elevated energy fees. Because the electrical water heater is responsible for heating water used during wash cycles, people who are fond of doing laundry with hot water cycles often see their habits reflected in their end of the month bill. Avoid unnecessary electrical fees by washing most of your clothes in cold water cycles instead. Unless you have highly sensitive fabrics, most clothes will react the same to a cold wash as they do with a hot wash.
With a little practice and patience, individuals who live in rental apartments can lower their energy bill significantly. To begin reducing the amount of money you spend monthly on electrical bills, try unplugging appliances that require large amounts of energy such as microwaves, washers, and dryers when they’re not being used. Once it becomes a habit, this practice can be extended to smaller electrical devices such as computer and phone chargers, inkjet printers, and more. If you see yourself purchasing any new electrical devices in the near future, make a point to shop for energy-star certified appliances, which are easily distinguished by the blue and white star label on the package. Finally, changing your laundry habits slightly by using more cold cycles than hot cycles can lower your apartment energy bills as well.
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