5 energy-saving tips for renters
An energy-efficient house equals savings on your power bills. If you’re renting, you can’t necessarily make drastic alterations to your place, but there are ways you can save energy around your rental, with your landlord’s approval, of course.
1. It’s curtains for your power bill
Heating and cooling your house accounts for about 40 per cent of your household energy use. You’re paying big dollars for this comfort, so you don’t want it going to waste.
One way to help keep the heat in during winter and out during summer is by hanging block-out curtains around the windows and keeping them closed when the heating or cooling is on. These thick curtains block light, insulate against draughts and help prevent heat transfer through the window glass.
Even better, you can probably use a removable adhesive hook to hang the curtains without drilling or damaging the walls. Just make sure the hooks are rated to carry the weight of the rod and curtains.
2. Learn to love snakes
Another way to keep warm air where you want it is to block draughts around floorboards, doors, windows and skirting boards. Door snakes or rolled-up towels are a cheap way of blocking gaps under doors. It sounds simple, but it works. Rugs are also effective at reducing air flow through the floor, helping you save on heating and cooling costs.
In summer, stick some specially formulated reflective film on the inside of western-facing windows that cop the brunt of the afternoon sun. This reduces heat gain significantly, plus it’s removable, so it shouldn’t upset your landlord. You can also buy cheap and effective self-adhesive weather strips for doors and windows.
3. Splish splash, I was takin’ a… shower
After heating and cooling, hot water is the second biggest energy hog in most homes. There’s nothing like an invigorating shower to start or finish your day; but if you have an old-fashioned, water-guzzling shower head, expect a huge bump in your energy and water bills.
Some shower heads pump out 15 litres of water per minute, but according to the Australian Government, switching to a six-litres-per-minute model can save a family of four about 105,000 litres of water per year and approximately $315.
That’s not the only saving either. Just think how much energy you’re using heating that extra water. The good news is that most modern low-flow shower heads are comparable or superior to the water wasters on the market and installing them is non-permanent and DIY, so a plumber isn’t required.
4. See yourself in the right light
Got any incandescent or halogen light bulbs at home? Well, as Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman sang so tunefully, it’s time to say goodbye. LED light bulbs use 75 per cent to 90 per cent less energy than their halogen and incandescent counterparts.
LED light bulbs are also much cheaper these days, so when you buy them you’ll usually get your money back in long-term savings. Keep old light bulbs so you can put them back and take the LEDs with you when you move house.
Replacing non-LED downlights is more complicated. Along with the up-front purchase price, they typically require a licensed electrician to install them, so the costs add up. Reach out to your landlord if you want to explore that option.
If you’re renting your home for the long haul – and you have a good relationship with your landlord – they might even give the go ahead if you chip in for the lights and installation.
5. Some oldies (but goodies)
Although these apply whether you rent or own, here are some timely reminders about everyday energy savings you can make at home.
- Switch off unused appliances at the wall; they’re secretly using power, even in standby mode.
- Set the thermostat between 23C and 26C in summer and between 18C and 20C in winter.
- If you’re on a time-of-use tariff, use energy outside peak periods.
- Cook smaller meals in microwaves, air fryers or toaster ovens instead of your main oven.
- Use ceiling or pedestal fans on their own or in conjunction with your aircon; they improve its efficiency and are much cheaper to run.
- Shop around for a better energy plan.