5 Tips to cut your Electricity bill this Summer
Most energy-saving tips are catered toward homeowners, who have greater flexibility in what they can and can’t do to save energy. Instead of following that road, these tips will work for everyone - so apartment folks, pay attention. That is, if you want to spend less money on electricity every month. Note: I’m not big on making up statistics, so you won’t see “This tip will reduce your bill by X%.” Quite frankly I have no idea what percentage you’ll save, just that you will save money if you follow these tips. Read and enjoy :
- Buy and install curtains - As long as your apartment allows it, buying curtains is a must. Especially if you live in a warm climate ( I’m in Southern Texas ), anything to keep the heat out is a bonus.
- Get used to 78 Degrees - I’m guilty of putting the thermostat on 68 and piling on the blankets, I admit it. Your air conditioning has to work significantly harder at 70 or even 74 degrees than it does at 78. More work means more energy, which means a higher bill. Get used to a slightly warmer temperature, and your wallet will thank you.
- Wear less clothing - This one ties in closely with the above tip. If you wear less clothes, you won’t be as hot. Now I’m not saying it’s time to become a nudist. If that’s your thing, then congratulations. But most of us have kids and that’s not really an option. But you can dress lightly - a light tee-shirt and shorts will usually do the trick.
- Swap your regular light bulbs for fluorescent - Fluorescent bulbs use only a fraction of the energy that incandescent bulbs use - and provide nearly as much light. In addition, fluorescent bulbs don’t produce heat, which will reduce the workload on your air conditioning system. That’s just an added bonus, my friend.
- Use the ceiling fans - Not all apartments have them, but if yours does, you need to take advantage of it. You’d be surprised how much less A/C you’ll use if you keep the fans moving.
That’s all for now. These tips won’t make you rich if you pick and choose. In fact, they won’t make you rich if you use all of them. But you will save a good chunk off your electricity bill each and every month. And I don’t know anyone who couldn’t use a lower electric bill - do you?
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Marie-France Castonguay said,
Wrote on August 15, 2007 @ 3:36 pm
I agree with all the above tips, and I would like to add that if your apartment does not have a ceiling fan, purchasing a standing fan would be a great investment. They cost about 20 dollars at a hardware store, and last for a long time. I’ve been using mine for at least three years now.
Michael said,
Wrote on August 16, 2007 @ 9:19 am
If possible consider these things when you’re choosing your apartment:
–Ask about the age of the furnace and compressor unit. If it’s old, chances are you’re going to spend more money (on heat too). The newer it is, the more energy efficent it will be. If it’s more than 20 years old, don’t be afraid to ask them to replace it before you move in or to get a unit with newer equipment. It never hurts to ask!
–Realize apartments on higher floors will generally get warmer, and require extra A/C than those on lower floors. This could be bad in the summer but could help you in the winter. Depending on energy rates and how long heat vs. A/C season is, it might be worth the trade off. However, beware the top floor. Most apartments don’t insulate very well so you’ll get heat coming in from the attic in the summer and your rising heat will go right up into the attic in the winter. Double bummer.
–Apartments with dark brick/siding/wood will be warmer than lighter buildings. Darker colors absorb heat. Again, this could work to your advantage in the wintertime.
Penny Saved said,
Wrote on August 20, 2007 @ 4:52 am
Excellent tips from both of you. I forgot about the regular stand fans - they are very inexpensive and can make a huge difference for apts. or rooms without ceiling fans. Good call.
The second floor tip is huge - especially here in Texas. I actually live in a second floor apartment now, and my electricity bill is through the roof in the summer months. I couldn’t imagine living on the third floor - yikes!
SandPine said,
Wrote on August 23, 2007 @ 1:45 pm
Box fans are great, too. Left running on low, they make little
noise and move quite a bit of air.
SandPine said,
Wrote on August 23, 2007 @ 1:47 pm
Box fans are great, too. Left running on low, they make little
noise and move quite a bit of air.
Another tip is to pull the grill on the refrigerator and vaccum
the coils. You may be surprised how much colder your food is kept
and it will also use less electricity.