Low utility usage not only saves you money but also decreases your carbon footprint. Whether you’re moving to a Central New Jersey apartment for the first time or are a long-term renter, you’ll want to take advantage of these simple utility savings tips.
Harness the Power of the Sun
Open blinds and curtains during the winter months to take advantage of the natural heating effects of the sun. Sun power can raise the temperature of the room by a few degrees, allowing you to turn down the thermostat. Be sure to close blinds and curtains again as soon as the sun begins to set.
When the temperatures begin to soar, reverse your window strategy. Keep the blinds and curtains closed during the day and open at night. All of the apartments at Fairway 28 feature Andersen® sliding glass doors in the living room, which include blinds built in between the glass. This feature allows residents to easily open and close their blinds and manage the amount of sun that flows into their apartments all year round.
Buy New Light Bulbs
Replacing your light bulbs may seem like a minor change, but it can offer important savings. Compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs don’t need to be replaced nearly as often as incandescent bulbs and will help you decrease your electricity usage. In fact, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy reports that ENERGY STAR-rated LED lights use 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Don’t Touch It Unless It’s Full
Do you run your dishwasher after every meal, whether it’s full or not? This habit could be increasing your electric bill. You’ll use less energy running one full washer or dishwasher load than several small ones. Using the cold water setting for laundry can save you money, as it takes energy to heat the water. Luckily, today’s detergents are designed to work just as efficiently in cold water as hot.
Cleaning out your dryer’s lint trap can also help reduce your utility bills. When the trap is full, the dryer must run longer to completely dry your clothing. Full lint traps also increase the risk of a dryer fire.
Hit the Showers
Showers generally use less water than baths, particularly if you buy a low-flow showerhead for your apartment’s shower. You can always re-install the original showerhead before you move out of your apartment. A low-flow showerhead can save you up to $145 on electricity, notes Energy Star.
Become a Fan of Fans
Fans circulate both hot and cold air, keeping you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Box or stand fans are relatively inexpensive and work particularly well in the living room and your bedroom.
Forget About a Landline
In today’s cellphone obsessed world, landlines are quickly becoming obsolete. Getting rid of your landline can save you money whether you pay only for the line or bundle landline service with your Internet package. Chances are you won’t even miss it, particularly if the only calls you receive are from telemarketers.
Although pinpointing the exact location of 911 calls was a problem in some areas in the past, it’s no longer an issue due to improvements in technology. If you rarely use your landline, you can safely disconnect it.
Unplug Non-Essential Appliances and Electronics
Standby power consumption can contribute to a larger-than-expected electric bill after you’ve followed a few other energy savings tips. Your computer or coffeemaker may be off, but they’re still drawing a small amount of electricity.
Computers and coffeemakers aren’t the only electronics that use energy when not in use. Your cellphone charger also continues to draw energy if it’s plugged in but not attached to your phone. You can prevent standby power consumption by unplugging small appliances and electronics when not in use.
Don’t Use the Oven on Hot Days
Your oven can quickly heat your living space when you live in an apartment. On hot, humid days, order takeout, whip up a meal on your cooktop or in your microwave, or prepare a meal on the grill.
Recently built apartment complexes, like Fairway 28, a Country Classics Community, are constructed with energy savings in mind. The luxury one-and two-bedroom apartments have all of the amenities you need for comfortable living, including large living and bedrooms, chef’s kitchens with energy efficient appliances, a washer and dryer in your apartment, tiled bathrooms and private balconies. Contact us for information regarding current apartment availability.
Sources:
Off ice of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: LED Lighting
Team Arcadia Power: 10 Ways to Lower Electric Bills in Your Apartment
https://blog.arcadiapower.com/10-ways-lower-electric-bills-apartment/
Energy Star: Top 10 Tips for Renters
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