5 Ways To Save Energy in Your Apartment or Condo

Energy efficiency isn’t just for homeowners. There are plenty of low- and no-cost steps you can take at your apartment to reduce energy costs, improve comfort and make your space more environmentally friendly. Here are just a few:

1. Program your thermostat.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat settings 7–10 degrees for eight hours a day can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 10 percent. Keep it at your preferred temperature when you’re awake, then dial it back when you’re asleep or away.

2.Keep your freezer packed.
Every time you open your freezer door, warm air enters, and your freezer has to work harder to stay cold. When it’s full, there’s less room for that air to occupy. But that doesn’t mean you have to hoard food—bags of ice and newspapers work just fine.

3.Wash your clothes in cold water.
If you have an in-unit washing machine, using cold water instead of hot can reduce a laundry load’s energy use by more than half. Using cold water–specific detergent will ensure your clothes are fresh and clean.

4.Use a smart power strip.
A lot of electronics draw power even when they’re not in use. When you plug them into a smart power strip, the device shuts them off automatically. Many models have a “master outlet” so that when one device is off, the other devices plugged into it will shut down too.

5.Upgrade to LED light bulbs.
Did you know that lighting accounts for about 20 percent of your energy use? LEDs use up to 90 percent less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. If you replace your home's five most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with LEDs, you can save $45 annually.

Originally posted January 2019. Updated December 2022