Hobbies And Interests
Making Lighting More Energy Efficient
According to the Department of Energy, 10 percent of the average American household energy budget goes toward lighting. Energy-efficient bulbs, timers and motion sensors can all be used in concert to reduce the amount of energy an apartment uses. On average, halogen light bulbs are 25 percent more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and last up to three times longer. Compact fluorescent lamps average about one-quarter the energy use of traditional bulbs, yet last 10 times longer. The federal government has noted that replacing 15 inefficient incandescent bulbs in an apartment can save about $50 per year in energy costs. Renters can also keep window coverings open during the day and use natural light to illuminate the apartment.
Optimize Heating Efficiency
For those people who do not have heat included in their rental payments, heating an apartment invariably takes up the biggest chunk of the household energy budget. Still, a few simple steps can add up to big savings. One simple step is to let the sun heat the apartment. The Department of Energy advises leaving draperies on south-facing windows open during winter days. When the sun sets, draperies should be closed to keep out the nighttime chill. During the summer, window coverings can be closed to prevent an apartment from getting too hot. If renters have access to a thermostat, they should set it as low or high as is comfortable during either the winter or summer. A thermostat can also be raised or lowered when residents are sleeping or away. Any radiators, warm-air registers or heating vents should be obstruction-free.
Use Kitchen Appliances Judiciously
Kitchen appliances make our lives easier and allow us to multitask. However, they also require energy. Making a few minor adjustments to appliance settings or changing a few habits can make a big difference in energy efficiency. The Department of Energy recommends running only a full, not overloaded, dishwasher. It also advises to avoid using the "rinse hold" cycle, which uses 3 to 7 gallons of hot water. Besides being the go-to place for a late night snack, the refrigerator is another place energy can be conserved. The government recommends making sure all seals on a fridge are tight. In addition, defrosting a freezer keeps the entire appliance running efficiently.
Energy Efficiency With Home Electronics
With many people working from a home office these days, energy use from computers and other office equipment has grown over the years. The Department of Energy recommends that consumers choose computers and other electronics labeled with its Energy Star label. According to the federal department, an Energy Star computer saves 30 to 65 percent more energy than computers without the label, depending on usage. The government also recommends putting the AC adapter for a computer into a power strip that can be turned off. An adapter continues to draw power even when it is not plugged in to a computer. On its website, the Department of Energy also notes two misconceptions: that screen savers save energy and equipment lasts longer if it's never turned off. Both are untrue, the agency emphasizes.