Whether you live in an apartment, townhouse, or single-family home, there are several steps you can take to improve energy efficiency, save money, and combat climate change. If certain changes are beyond your control, share these suggestions with your landlord to inspire eco-friendly improvements.
Lighting
Upgrading your lighting is one of the simplest ways to reduce energy use. LED bulbs provide exceptional light quality, use up to 90% less energy, and last 15 times longer than traditional bulbs, which helps cut both energy bills and replacement costs.
- Switch and save: A single light bulb can prevent approximately 780 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime.
Smart Thermostats
Heating and cooling account for nearly half of the average household’s energy costs—over $900 annually. Smarter temperature management can help you stay comfortable while saving money. Installing a smart thermostat, if feasible, can optimize settings and reduce heating and cooling expenses by more than 8%, saving around $50 per year. If your home is empty for much of the day, savings can increase to about $100 annually.
Electronics
Electronics are a major contributor to energy consumption. In 2017, consumer electronics accounted for 10% of residential energy use, with 3.4 billion devices consuming about 143 TWh of electricity.
- Power down smartly: Use a power strip to easily switch off devices when not in use, as electronics can still draw power when turned off. This eliminates standby energy use.
Air Registers and Vents
Ensure furniture isn’t obstructing air registers so that heated or cooled air can circulate freely. For homes with radiators, placing heat-resistant reflectors between the radiators and walls can direct warmth into the room instead of wasting it on the walls.
Water Efficiency
- Shower wisely: A 10-minute shower with a low-flow 2.5-gallon-per-minute showerhead uses about 25 gallons of water—5 gallons less than a typical bath. This upgrade can also save up to $145 a year on energy costs.
- Control moisture: Use bathroom fans during and for 15 minutes after showers to manage humidity and prevent mold or moisture buildup.
- Dishwashing tips: Scrape, don’t rinse, your dishes before loading the dishwasher. Run it only when it’s full and use the air-dry setting to save water and energy.
Laundry Savings
- Cold water, big savings: Heating water accounts for 90% of the energy used in laundry. Wash clothes in cold water with cold-water detergents to cut costs and energy use.
- Maximize loads: Washing full loads can save more than 3,400 gallons of water annually.
- Dry efficiently: Avoid over-drying clothes by using a dryer’s moisture sensor or selecting an appropriate cycle length. Always clean the lint trap before each load to improve efficiency and save up to $34 annually.
By incorporating these strategies, you can enjoy a more energy-efficient home, lower your utility bills, and contribute to a healthier environment—no matter where you live.
