Who doesn't know that apartment living is a little different than living in a home? However, there doesn't have to be much difference when it comes to living an energy-efficient lifestyle and keeping your energy bills low.

 

Take Control

 

As an apartment dweller, you may not have as much control over your home as a homeowner, but there are some simple steps you can take to save energy and reduce your electric bills.

 

Check the Fridge

 

The refrigerator is one of the largest users of electricity in your apartment. The key to keeping your fridge performing at its best energy-efficiency is to keep up the maintenance. Vacuum the condenser coils annually, replace worn door gaskets and for manual-defrost refrigerators, be sure to defrost whenever ice in the freezer gets 1/4 inch thick. Every now and again, grab a thermometer and check to be sure your refrigerator is operating at the best possible temperature (37-40 degrees F in the refrigerator section and 0-5 degrees F in the freezer).

If your refrigerator is equipped with a "power saver" switch, be sure to use it according to the manufacturer's directions. These tip-saving ideas apply to freezers as well.

 

Get Fired Up About Cooking

 

You can keep your cooking costs down by using your oven efficiently. Try to cook several dishes at once. Avoid preheating the oven, and don't open the door while food is cooking. When cooking on top of the range, be sure to use flat bottom pots with tightly fitted lids, and avoid heating small pans on large burners or elements (for electric ranges). You can also use small appliances like toaster ovens or microwaves to save electricity.

 

Make Bright Decisions About Light

 

We all know that leaving lights on in empty rooms is very wasteful, but very few of us think about the effects of over lighting a room. Use lower wattage bulbs, dimmers or lamps with three-way switches to make sure your lighting levels fit your activities. For example, if you're reading or studying, you want to be sure there is ample lighting; however, if you're relaxing or watching television, the lights can be dimmer.

Remember, fluorescent bulbs use only one-quarter of the electricity required by incandescent bulbs, and they last longer. If it's possible, replace incandescent bulbs with Energy-Star® qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs.

 

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot

 

Operating your air conditioner in the summer tends to increase electric bills for people who live in apartments and condos. However, there are still some things you can do to control your electric bills without sacrificing comfort.

 

Shades and Drapes

 

Be sure to close your blinds, shades or draperies on south and west facing windows to reduce solar heat gain.

 

Humidity Control

 

Dry air is easier to cool than humid air. When showering, use the bathroom exhaust fan to remove excess humidity. If possible, hang wet clothes outside to dry. Taking these simple steps can make a big difference.

 

Manage Air Conditioning Use

If you have a programmable thermostat, set the cooling temperature to 78 degrees F when you are home, and higher when you are sleeping or away. If not, remember to set it manually. Each degree above 75 degrees F saves 3% of the energy used to cool your home.

 

 

Window Air Conditioners

 

Use a timer to turn on the air conditioner half an hour before you get home from work, as opposed to running it all day while you're away. Be sure to keep the filters clean. If possible, locate the air conditioner in a window that is centrally located to the area you are cooling.

 

Fans

 

On those cool, breezy summer days, use a fan to remove heat from your home. When used in combination with your air conditioner, ceiling fans allow you to raise your thermostat setting by as much as 4 degrees without reducing your comfort. If your fan is reversible, set the rotation to pull the warm air up to the ceiling. Remember to switch the fans off in unoccupied rooms.

Window fans are a natural way of cooling your home. By drawing cool air in or pushing hot air out, window fans provide cross ventilation and naturally cool your home.

Take advantage of these energy-saving tips for your apartment home, and be mindful of the simple things that can help you save money on your energy bill.