Renters lowering expenses
Renters and everyone else needn’t depend on simply turning down the thermostat or temperature controller to reduce home-energy costs. Even though most energy-saving ideas are written for homeowners, there are many ways renters can lower cost without making major home modifications.
First start by talking with your landlord about winterizing older windows, installing a programmable thermostat and replacing furnace filters throughout the winter. Ask your county or city government if they offer free thermostats to install these and more energy-saving devices. Some offer free energy audits that can help convince your landlord to make upgrades.
As a renter or home owner, your priority is to reduce energy costs quickly and inexpensively. Here is a way to save energy in your rental home.
f you’re going to be away from home for a long period of time, set the temperature even higher in summer and lower in winter. It doesn’t take long to heat or cool your home back to your preferred temperature. Put in a programmable thermostat: If you don’t have a programmable temperature controller, talk to your landlord about installing one. A programmable thermostat allows you to program different temperatures at different parts of the day, giving you maximum control over energy use and comfort without having to remember to make manual changes. A programmable thermostat is particularly handy in winter, to warm things up before you get out of bed or return home in the evening. Most of these temperature controllers have a manual override, so you can make short-term adjustments on particularly hot or cold days.
