Utility bills make up a significant portion of most household budgets. The average American spends $429.33 per month on their utility bill. If you manage your energy usage well, you can save money on your bills.
The good news is that you can reduce your bills by making simple changes in your daily habits. While you may have to invest money in energy-efficient appliances and lighting, the savings you will enjoy in the long run will be worth it. This article looks at how to save energy in an apartment.
Understanding Your Utility Use
The first step to lowering your utility bills is understanding your utilities. An energy audit can go a long way in helping you to save money on your utilities. An energy audit is available to many people, but only some take advantage of this beneficial service. A registered energy advisor or auditor performs an energy efficiency assessment on your home. The energy audit can tell you what your energy usage is and recommend improvements to increase your energy efficiency.
During an energy audit, the advisor will walk through your apartment and analyze your systems and insulation levels. They will also check the airtightness of your apartment. By doing a blower test, the auditor can check how tight the building’s envelope is by checking for air leakage. Once the auditor completes testing, they’ll make recommendations based on their findings. By implementing these recommendations, you can save money on your utilities.
How to Lower Utility Bills With Small Changes
Making small changes and practicing good habits can add up to large savings on your utility bills. Considering putting the following into practice to reduce your utilities:
Turn off lights: When you’re not in a room, switch off the lights. When you need to light up a room, opt for natural lighting first instead of switching on the lights.
Unplug appliances: Get into the habit of unplugging your devices and appliances when you’re not using them. Some appliances need to stay plugged in, but you can unplug many when they’re not in use. Your television, computers and toaster are some good examples. The Department of Energy estimates you can save $100 per year on your utilities by unplugging these devices.
Run appliances outside peak times: Utility companies charge you more for using electricity during peak times. You can run your dishwasher and washing machine outside these peak times to save money.
Use cold water: When washing your clothes in the washing machine, use the cold water setting. Heating water consumes more energy and makes up 90% of the energy needed to run your washing machine.
Change filters regularly: Maintaining your air conditioning and heating system is important to keep it running efficiently. When the filter gets clogged with dirt and debris, the airflow becomes blocked and causes your equipment to work harder. Regularly changing the filters helps it to run at its best.
How to Reduce Your Apartment’s Electricity Usage
Want to know how to save money on electricity bills in your apartment? You can make some upgrades so your apartment is more energy efficient. By making these changes, you can save on your electricity bill.
Install energy-efficient lights: A simple switch to energy-efficient light bulbs can help you to save on your electricity bill. Energy-saving light bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent lightbulbs and last longer. Even though they cost more to purchase, investing in them will save you money in the long run.
Use energy-efficient appliances: You may be able to replace your refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and other appliances with energy-efficient options, depending on what your landlord includes. Some of these appliances have features like automatic shut-off, which can help to reduce your consumption even further.
Use curtains: Having curtains in your apartment can help regulate the temperature. Thermal curtains are specifically designed to keep your apartment warm in winter and cool during summer.
Smart power strips: Investing in smart power strips can also help reduce your electricity bill. Smart power strips switch off your appliances when they’re not in use. Some also come with a surge protector, which protects your electronics during power surges.
Lower your water temperature: The average water heater is set to 140 degrees. You can lower your energy costs by 4% to 22% annually by lowering the temperature to 120 degrees.
Use fans: Choosing to use fans instead of air conditioning can help you to use less energy. Tower fans generally use much less energy than air conditioners, and some come with a remote so you still have the convenience.
How to Reduce Your Water Usage
Staying on top of your water consumption can reduce how much you spend on your utility bill.
Shorter showers: The average showerhead goes through 2.5 gallons of water per minute. By taking shorter showers, you can reduce the amount of water you use and the energy you use to heat the water.
Fix leaks: If you notice any leaking faucets or running toilets, put in a maintenance request to get them fixed. Even if it’s a slow drip, the water loss can add up over time, and you’ll still have to pay for it. When turning off your faucets, be sure to turn the taps all the way.
Examine your water use: Doing simple things like turning off your faucet when you’re brushing your teeth, washing your face and washing the dishes can help to reduce the cost of water.
Learn More About Triple Crown Corporation Residential Services
Being mindful of your energy usage can reduce your utility costs. The first step is to get an energy audit to know what your usage is like and where you can make changes to reduce energy use. Making small changes and establishing mindful energy and water use changes can go a long way. Switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances may be a significant investment initially, but it can help you save money in the long run.
At Triple Crown Corporation, our residential communities offer high-quality, safe living for residents. Learn more about our residential communities by contacting us today!
