Of course, you’d like to save money on your utility bills—especially during the winter months when heating costs can skyrocket. Managing utilities in a rental can feel a bit out of your control, however, there are plenty of simple, budget-friendly ways to reduce your winter utility bills without sacrificing warmth or comfort.Whether you’re using space heaters, or just looking for ways to reduce your energy consumption, these practical tips will help you lower your costs this season. Here are five easy ways to cut the expenses, but keep the heat.
1. Buy Smarter Bulbs
An LED light bulb costs as little as $5 at home improvement stores, and it can save more than $100 over its lifetime. LEDs use up to 85 percent less energy to deliver the same amount of light as incandescents, and they come in many different shapes, colors, and intensities. They also reach full brightness instantly and can work with dimmer switches. Check to see whether your local utility offers a rebate for energy-efficient bulbs, which would bring their cost down even further.)
2. Use Space Heaters Wisely
If you’re trying to save on heating costs, relying on space heaters can be an efficient alternative to heating an entire apartment or house. However, it’s important to use them wisely. Only heat the rooms you spend the most time in, and always turn them off when you leave a room or go to bed. Make sure to place space heaters in areas with good ventilation and never leave them unattended. You can also save energy by lowering the thermostat in the rest of your apartment and using a space heater as a supplementary heat source.
3. Keep Your Thermostat Lower
Reducing the temperature by just a couple of degrees can have a big impact on your energy bill. If you’re comfortable with a slightly cooler indoor temperature, try setting your thermostat to 68°F (20°C) during the day when you’re at home, and lower it at night or when you’re away. A programmable thermostat can make this even easier by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your schedule.
4. Maximize Sunlight During the Day
Let the sun work for you! During daylight hours, open your blinds or curtains to let the sun naturally warm your space. The sun’s heat can be a significant boost to your home’s temperature without costing a penny. Just be sure to close your blinds at night to keep the warmth inside and prevent heat from escaping through the windows.
5. Cook and Bake More
It’s not just a cozy way to spend time indoors—cooking and baking can actually help warm up your space! Use your oven or stove for cooking meals, and take advantage of the residual heat afterward. Even using your microwave or toaster oven (instead of turning on the full-sized oven) can generate extra warmth without using a lot of energy.
