Many Philadelphians are spending more time in their apartments than ever before. You may be among the many. Whether it’s due to remote work/learning or the desire to enjoy your home and its wonderful amenities, your apartment is truly the center of your universe.
Unfortunately, more time spent at home means higher electricity bills. If you were previously commuting to and working an office for 8-10 hours a day, then your apartment’s meter was barely moving. Now, if you have your lights on, the coffee maker brewing, a computer and printer running, and, depending on the season, your heater or air conditioning is working overtime. In essence, you’re using more energy than ever before. In turn, that increased usage is raising your electricity bill to new heights.
While your last electric bill may have been a bit surprising, there’s no reason to let that trend continue.
Below, we’ll show you how to lower your electric bill in an apartment or condo.
1. Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
If you are still using traditional incandescent light bulbs in your apartment, then it’s time to make a switch to an energy-efficient alternative. Incandescent light bulbs, although inexpensive, use a lot of energy which contributes to higher electric bills.
However, if you replace these bulbs with LED light bulbs or compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), you’ll use less electricity and help lower your bills. These bulbs also last longer (both bulbs have an average lifespan of 9 years), so you’ll replace them less often than soft white incandescent bulbs.
2. Unplug Inactive Appliances
When you’re not using a light, you turn it off. This simple practice is a real energy-saving solution. That same practice should also be attributed to non-essential appliances, too.
While you should never unplug necessary appliances that require constant electricity (like your refrigerator), you should get in the habit of unplugging less essential appliances when they’re not in use. Simply unplugging smartphone chargers, coffee makers, toasters, hairdryers, and other appliances and devices when they’re not being used will help reduce your monthly energy bills.
3. Change Your Kitchen Habits
Kitchens are one of the most high-energy rooms in your apartment. Refrigerators are always running to keep your food from spoiling. Electric ovens set the meter spinning every time you use the stovetop or bake. And then there’s the various accessories and appliances that you use every day like dishwashers, microwaves, coffee makers, and toasters, just to name a few.
Luckily, you can make a few minor adjustments to your kitchen habits to help lower your energy usage. Instead of heating water, broth, soup, gravy, and other liquids on an electric stovetop, use the microwave instead. Not only does this method heat the liquid faster, but it also uses less electricity. When you’re washing dishes, turn off the heated drying option since it uses a lot of energy. Instead, simply crack the dishwasher door slightly and let the dishes dry naturally after the washing cycle is complete.
4. Give Your HVAC Unit a Rest
While you’ll definitely want your HVAC unit to keep you warm and cozy during frigid winter weather and comfortably cool during the sweltering heat of summer, you can give it a rest (and lower utility costs) on those milder days. On mild fall and winter days, turn your thermostat down and wear a sweater. When the spring and summer weather is in the high 60s, turn your unit off, open your drapes and windows and enjoy the sunshine and gentle breezes. By taking advantage of these milder temperatures and giving your HVAC unit a much-needed break, you’ll lower your energy costs – and give your bank account a rest, too.
Now you know a few easy and effective ways to lower your electric bill in your apartment or condo. We hope this helps you save a few dollars on your monthly bills so you can invest those savings into your vacation plans, another bill, or your bank account.
Recognizing how important it is for our clients to save money on their energy bills, Allan Domb Real Estate is committed to offering energy-saving solutions in many of our rental properties. From Energy Star heating/cooling systems to energy-efficient appliances and windows, we’re committed to incorporating energy-saving amenities in our rental properties to help you live a more comfortable and accommodating life.
Contact our office today to learn more about our currently available energy-efficient properties!
