Energy Tips for Apartment Rentals
It takes a little work to help keep your light bill (utility bill) down when renting an apartment. Turning off lights is great, but it’s actually your air conditioning and heating bills that costs you.
Central air conditioning requires about 50 times as much power as a 75-watt light bulb.
In the summer time, along with turning off lights you especially need to pay attention to your air conditioning thermostat. And, in the winter in Tallahassee, it can get very cold and before you know it your heating bill can get very high.
Here are some tips from the city of Tallahassee’s energy services group:
- Set your air conditioning thermostat carefully.
- Summer: Recommended indoor temperature is 78 degrees in . Set it higher when you’re away all day.
- Winter: Recommended indoor temperature is 68 degrees. Set it lower at night.
How to set the “Fan” selection: Always select AUTO, never ON.
- Find your system’s air filter. Make sure there is one, and make sure it’s clean. If not, notify your apartment manager. Some filters are cleanable; others require replacement. Clogged filters increase your cooling and heating costs.
- Manage sunlight at windows. In summer, close shades, drapes or blinds to block and reflect the sun’s heat outward. You’ll be surprised at what a great difference this makes. In winter, let sun in, but close window coverings at night.
- Use hot water wisely. Report or repair leaks promptly. A hot water leak can increase your energy costs as well as your water and sewer costs.