Maine Home Energy
Saving
Energy in Apartments
Bulletin
#7211
Adapted by Associate
Extension Professor Donna Coffin
Reviewed by Associate Extension Professor Kathy Hopkins
Although most
apartments are smaller than single family houses, their energy costs can
be greater. While increasing insulation levels and sealing air leaks in
the building shell and ductwork can reduce energy costs, these measures
are usually too costly to pay off soon enough for most renters. But
apartment dwellers need not be doomed to high energy bills and
discomfort. Let’s look at a few energy-saving ideas that should save
enough to pay for themselves within two years.
Adjust your
thermostat
The temperature at
which you set your thermostat can affect your heating and cooling bills.
In winter, try a setting of 65–68°F, and wear warm clothing. In
summer, a setting of 78°F and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing should
work. Use ceiling and space fans to
circulate room air, with or without air conditioning. You could feel as comfortable at 80–85°F
in summer with fans blowing, as at 78°F with no air flow. Using a fan in
the winter can help circulate warm air; just be sure the fan is set on
low so you don’t create a breeze that can feel cool. If you have
ceiling fans, be sure to switch the rotation so
they move warm
air to the walls and down.
A programmable
thermostat can automatically adjust room temperature to save energy when
you aren’t home. You can often replace an existing thermostat with an
energy-saving programmable one. The programmable thermostat can be taken
with you if you move. Be sure to choose a model that is appropriate for
your particular heating and cooling equipment. Choose one that you
understand how to use.
Stop air infiltration
Air infiltration or
drafts cause increased heating costs and reduced comfort in the
apartment. The amount of air that leaks through the cracks around
windows and doors can be more significant in apartments than in houses.
Portable items such as draft stoppers for doors and windows are good
solutions for air leaks in apartments.
Simple weather
stripping and caulking can be smart energy investments. Choose products
that will last, such as vinyl or metal weather stripping and latex
acrylic or silicone caulk. Try to caulk inside whenever possible to
protect the sealant from weather. (Be sure that the apartment owner
approves of the use of caulk.) You can install simple gaskets behind
light switch and wall outlet covers. Temporary plastic
installed
inside of windows will reduce air infiltration and increase comfort by
reducing drafts.
Use the heat of the
sun to your advantage
During the winter,
open south-facing curtains to allow the sun to warm your rooms during
the day. Be sure to close curtains at night to prevent heat loss. You
might also consider making insulated shutters for winter nights.
In the summer, close
your curtains during the day to prevent the sun from overheating your
apartment.
Cut hot water bills
The cost
of heating water for a typical family of four
ranges from $500 to $800 a year, depending on the
efficiency of the water heater and the type of energy used.1
You can often cut
that bill significantly with simple conservation measures. Start with
the temperature setting. A water-heater setting of 120°F is hot enough
for most families. Temperatures higher than this pose a serious risk of
scalding, especially for children and older adults. Check the hot water
temperature with a cooking thermometer (one that measures between 100°F
and 160°F) at the faucet farthest from the water heater.
Wrapping the water
heater tank with an insulation jacket can save roughly $10 to $40 a
year. The jackets can be purchased at many hardware or building supply
stores for less than $25. Follow safety instructions provided by the
manufacturer.
A water-saving
showerhead can save many families more than $70 a year. These models
provide a forceful shower but are engineered to use less water. They are
ideal for larger families. Since they use less water, the last person in
line stands a better chance of getting a hot shower.
Other strategies
include repairing dripping faucets, using cold water for washing and
rinsing in your clothes washer, and running the dish washer only when it
is full.
Save money on
lighting and other electronics
We all remember our
parents’ admonishments to turn off lights, and while they were right,
you can usually save much more by changing standard incandescent light
bulbs to more efficient models. The new compact fluorescent light bulbs
provide more light for less money. While these bulbs cost between $5 and
$10 each, they save from $30 to $60 in electricity over their life. They
should last around 10,000 hours, versus less than 1,000 for a standard
incandescent bulb. Compact fluorescent bulbs are best suited for lights
that are on at least four hours each day. Many models work well outside,
too, so don’t overlook a security light that is frequently left on.
Did you know that
newer electric appliances and equipment can still draw electricity when
turned off? Consider putting your television, VCR, DVD player, and radio
on a power strip that can be turned off with a flick of the switch.
Computers, printers, and associated equipment should be on their own
power strip that is switched off when this equipment is not in use.
1 Based on Maine energy prices in the fall of
2008.
Adapted with
permission of the University of Georgia. Jorge Atiles. 2005.
Household Energy Savings: What Renters Can Do. Athens, GA: The
University of Georgia, Cooperative Extension.
© 2008 |