10 ways for renters to reduce their energy bills

Looking to lower your energy bill as a renter? Follow these tips and tricks

Owning a home means you can make all sorts of changes that will save you money on energy bills. Unfortunately, people who rent their homes don’t have that option. However, there are smaller money-saving measures that can reduce the cost of energy. Below are some proven ways to save energy — and money — as a renter.

  • Upgrade your lighting
    Replacing standard bulbs with LED is the simplest and easiest way to reduce energy usage.
  • Use the dishwasher, if you have one
    It may be counterintuitive, but newer dishwashers use less water than hand washing. So, if your dishwasher is relatively new, automatic washing could save you money (as long as you wait for the unit to be full).
  • Wash you clothes in cold water
    If your clothes aren’t deeply stained, you can probably get the job done on the cold setting instead of warm or hot.
  • Set the thermostat for maximum savings
    If you cannot convince your landlord to install a programmable thermostat, it’s still possible to make the most of the one you have. Setting the thermostat to a lower temperature in winter and a higher one in summer could save a ton on utility bills.
  • Seal your leaking windows
    Your landlord may not want to install new windows, but that doesn’t stop you from sealing the existing ones. This simple upgrade requires only the most basic tools and supplies.  Weatherstripping, caulk, and spray foam can seal the small leaks.
  • Unplug unused devices/appliances
    Appliances and devices are using energy even when they are not in use. Unplugging them could save you a lot of money and plugging them back in only takes a few seconds.
  • Install a low-flow showerhead
    Replacing an old showerhead with a more efficient model takes only a few minutes, and the energy and water savings could be significant. Just make sure you keep the old showerhead to
    swap it back on moving day.
  • Look for water leaks and other issues
    Even a tiny leak could send your water bills through the rented roof, so do a leak check and call the landlord.
  • Adjust the temp on the water heater
    You may not own the water heater, but you can still adjust the temperature. Setting the water heater to a lower temperature could significantly reduce utility bills without impacting your
    comfort.
  • Talk to your landlord
    Your landlord may not be as reluctant as you think to embrace energy-saving upgrades. Those upgrades could increase the property’s value and that will be a win for everyone.

We’ve also got tips for any renters looking to buy their first home. And if you have any questions or would like to learn more about what we do here at Fox Communities Credit Union, please contact our friendly Fox team or come see us at one of our many Fox locations throughout northeastern Wisconsin — including branches in the Fox Valley, Oshkosh, the greater Green Bay area, and the Manitowoc/Two Rivers lakeshore area.