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Energy-Saving Tips For Renters

Always look for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing appliances.

Track your carbon footprint at CO2gether.org

Energy-Saving Tips For Renters

Follow these tips to save energy and stay comfortable.

Air-conditioning

  • Air conditioning can be your biggest electricity user in the summer.
  • Set your thermostat at 78°F or higher.
  • Turn off your air conditioner when no one is home.
  • Close your drapes and shades to keep the sun out.
  • Use room fans or ceiling fans instead of air-conditioning.
  • Turn off fans when room is unoccupied.

For more information

Air Conditioners [633 kB PDF]

Appliances

  • Always look for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing new products. They use less energy than comparable products.
  • Refrigerators older than 1990 can use three times as much electricity as new ones.
  • MGE has given portable energy meters to area libraries. Check one out to see how much electricity appliances use.
  • Cook in a microwave oven rather than a stove.
  • Turn off TV, radio, stereo and computers when not at home.
For more information:

Appliance Energy Costs [913 kB PDF]
Refrigerators [230 kB PDF]

Lighting

  • Replace the most-used incandescent bulbs and fixtures with compact fluorescent bulbs.
  • Turn off lights when leaving a room.
For more information:

Focus on Energy lighting rebates
Lighting [1.5 MB PDF]

Water heating

Water heating is the second largest single energy user in most homes.

  • Set water heater temperature at 120°F.
  • Conserve hot water.
  • Install a low-flow showerhead.
  • Tell the owner about dripping faucets or water heater leaks.
For more information:

Water Heaters [1.8 MB PDF]

Heating

The furnace or boiler is the largest energy user in most homes.

  • Check furnace filter monthly; replace as needed.
  • If health permits, keep the thermostat at 68°F or below.
  • Lower thermostat at night and when you're gone (55°F lowest setting).
  • Keep registers and cold air returns clear of furniture and drapes.
  • Open drapes to allow sun in. Close them at night.
  • Cover wall-mounted air conditioners with plastic film or an air-tight cover.
  • Cover interior of windows with shrink-film plastic.

Electric heat is the most expensive. If you heat with electricity:

  • Close off rooms you are not using.
  • Turn down thermostats on closed-off rooms.
For more information:

Portable Electric Space Heaters [176 kB PDF]

Additional information

Energy-Saving Tips for Renters [1.0 MB PDF]
Home Energy Saver: Making It Happen
Tenant Resource Center