Tenants
Energy Efficiency for Renters
June 7, 2022
Why Energy Efficiency Matters as a Renter
As a renter, are you and your family feeling too cold in the winter and extremely warm in the summer? Do you want more control over your electrical bill?
Here is some information that could help.
Savings & Benefits
Energy efficiency…
- Helps you reduce how much energy you use and lowers your energy bills
- Means using less energy to get the same job done
- Improves the comfort of your home
Follow these tips to save energy and keep more $$ in your pocket.
No-Cost Options
- Turn down thermostats when away from home and at night
- For deeper savings, set your temperature to 68 degrees for heating, and to 74 degrees for cooling in summer
- Turn off lights when rooms are not occupied
- During winter days, leave window blinds and drapes open to take advantage of daylight
- During summer days, close blinds and drapes to keep your home cooler
- Unplug unnecessary or unused equipment
- Dust light bulbs and lampshades regularly to improve light output
- Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
- Remove dust from baseboard or wall heater grills at least annually
- Vacuum or brush your refrigerator coils annually
- Leave at least 2 inches between the walls for refrigerator
Low-Cost Upgrade Options
- Change furnace filters every 3 months
- Install programmable thermostats
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with more efficient ENERGY STAR qualified LEDs.
- Install window shades, or window films to keep out the summer sun, keep home cooler, and lower air-conditioning costs
- Purchase ENERGY STAR certified equipment that you can take with you if you move to another location
- Caulk and weather-strip windows and doors
If you need help performing the tips above, or for other energy saving upgrades, talk with your rental property owner.
Need help paying your utility bills?
Tacoma Public Utilities may be able to help you keep your service and connect you with assistance resources.