Cooperative Living February 2019 - 28

EnergySense | by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen, Contributing Writers
Seven Low-Cost Energy Tips for Renters
D
ear Pat: It's great to read about all the ways energy-efficiency
improvements to the home can save money, but what about
folks like me who are renting or don't have a lot of money
to spend? Are there things I can do to reduce my energy bills?
- Chelsea
D
are seven low-cost efficiency tips that can help you reduce your
energy bills.
1. Mind the thermostat. You might be able to trim your energy
bill by carefully managing the temperature in your home. The
Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to
68 degrees on winter days. If that's too cool, try other ways to stay
warm like layering with an extra sweater. You can save more
energy by turning down the thermostat even lower at night or
when no one is home. The same principle works in reverse
during the summer months. Just set the thermostat higher to
reduce your energy use for air conditioning.
A programmable thermostat is a critical tool for energy users
who sometimes forget to make the proper adjustments each day.
2. Go programmable. If you don't always remember to
adjust your thermostat manually, you could benefit from a
programmable model. In the right situation, set correctly,
programmable thermostats can save $150 a year. Some
programmable thermostats can be managed from your
smartphone or other devices. Before you purchase one, make
sure your landlord approves.
A draft stopper or " door snake " helps keep out cold air during
winter months.
3. Try zone heating. If you don't mind less-used rooms being
cooler, you might be able to save energy (and money!) by zone
heating. Electric baseboards make it easy because they typically
have thermostat settings on the units or in each room. Portable
electric space heaters can also be a good tool for zone heating if
they are used safely and wisely in the area you spend the most
time. Keep in mind, if you're using space heaters, you'll need to
reduce the heat you're supplying to the rest of the home. Space
heaters that are used incorrectly can be dangerous and increase
energy costs. If your heating system needs to be replaced, you
can talk to your landlord about installing a mini-split system,
which is perfect for zone heating and cooling, and easier to
install than a new duct and furnace system.
4. Stop air leaks. Small gaps around windows, doors, wiring
and plumbing penetrations can be major sources of energy loss.
This problem can be alleviated with a little weatherstripping and
caulk, but you should check with your landlord before you get
started. Better yet, convince the landlord to do the work! A $10
door draft stopper (also known as a " door snake " ) is a simple way
to block gaps underneath exterior doors. Sealing air leaks around
your home could shave up to one-fifth off your heating and
cooling bills.
Setting your water heater to 120 degrees will save energy and
keep the water at a safe temperature.
26 | Cooperative Living | February 2019
5. Manage your windows and window coverings. Your
windows may be letting heat out during the winter and letting
heat in during the summer. Window coverings like medium- or
co-opliving.com
ear Chelsea: That's an excellent question. Not everyone
can replace their furnace with an air-source heat pump,
whether they're renting or their budget won't allow it. Here
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MICHELLE VIGEN, CLEAN ENERGY
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Cooperative Living February 2019

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