If you’re a renter and pay your own utility costs, it makes sense to do everything you can to control your energy use.
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Investigate before moving
When you’re looking for an apartment or rental house, don’t just look at the monthly rent figure; add in heating costs, too. A newer apartment constructed to newer building codes will probably be more energy efficient than an older apartment that hasn’t been weatherized or has single-pane windows. Before signing a lease, ask the landlord if it’s possible to look at past utility bills — winter and summer — to get some idea of how much you might pay for rent plus energy.*
*Your bills will vary based on your particular circumstances, such as the number of people in the apartment, heat settings, your actual energy usage and other factors.
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Simple savers
- Watch that thermostat! For cooler months, 68 degrees is a good energy-saving setting. Every degree you lower your thermostat will save an estimated 2 percent on your heating bill. At bedtime or when you’re away, drop it to 60 degrees to save more energy. (Exceptions: ceiling cable heat, maximum setback 2–3 degrees. Heat pump systems vary; see our Heat Pump section for setback recommendations.) If you have air conditioning, set it to: 75–78 degrees. Raise the temperature at bedtime or when you’re away.
- Use zonal heat efficiently. If you have zonal heat, turn heat down or off in unused rooms and close the doors (watch for mold or mildew problems).
- Dress for the season. You’ll save on heating. Wear layers in winter — save shorts for summer.
- Turn off lights, televisions, computers and other home electronics when you’re not using them.
- Switch to CFLs. Install energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs in place of incandescent bulbs. If you can only afford a few, use them in areas where they will be on for long periods, like in the kitchen.
- Run full dishwasher loads only.
- Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees. Ask your property manager for help.
- Turn off hot water during vacations. Turn your water heater off at the breaker panel if you’re leaving town for more than a couple of days. But don’t do this if it is freezing. (If it’s a natural gas water heater, just turn it to the “low” or “vacation” setting, but don’t turn it off.) Allow at least an hour for reheating when you return.
- Look at our No-cost Improvements section for more ways to save.
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Talk to your landlord
Do you live in an older rental that needs energy-efficiency improvements? Encourage your property manager to take advantage of Energy Trust of Oregon cash incentives for energy improvements like weatherization. Apartment managers can find more information about cash incentives in our
Apartment Management section for businesses.
If you meet moderate-income guidelines, you may qualify for the Savings Within Reach program from Energy Trust of Oregon. Savings Within Reach offers increased Energy Trust incentives that cover a portion of select energy-efficiency upgrades to your home such as air and duct sealing, insulation and heat pumps. You must be an Oregon resident in a single-family home or complex of up to four units. For rental properties, the homeowner or property owner must approve the energy-efficiency improvements before work begins.
Renters who meet low-income guidelines might qualify for special
no-cost weatherization programs through Oregon Housing and Community Services, but your landlord must agree to have the work done.
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Consider low-cost improvement projects
If you plan on staying in your place for a while, you might weigh the benefits of taking on some low-cost projects yourself; a little investment could save a lot of energy. Be sure to first get permission from your landlord. Some projects that may be appropriate include:
- Caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows (but don’t seal the moving parts shut).
- Using spray-on insulating foam to seal around holes where pipes exit the wall.
- Replacing old shower heads with low-flow models. Here’s more information.
- Installing temporary, plastic storm-window kits (do this in the fall).
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