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The cost of living has increased significantly in recent years, so it has never been more important to keep energy bills as low as possible.
Whether a student in an apartment or a family in a townhouse, there are plenty of practical steps renters can take to cut down on energy and water consumption to save money. Here are some methods to help keep bills low, including very quick and easy improvements to your rental home.
Seal draughts
Draughts around windows and doors can significantly increase energy bills as air conditioners and heaters need to work harder to get to a comfortable temperature. Use weather stripping or draft stoppers to seal these gaps and prevent cold air from seeping in during winter or cool air escaping during summer.
Check out the helpful guide How to winter-proof your home for more advice.
Use energy efficient lighting
Energy-efficient lighting can save you money. Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. LEDs consume less energy and last much longer, reducing both energy costs and the frequency of bulb replacements.
Here’s a complete guide How to choose energy saving light bulbs.
Apply window film
Static window film not only provides privacy, but it cuts down on heat gain by blocking UV rays. It adheres with static and is adhesive-free, making it easy to remove and re-use.
Community member Jess (@prettyliving) shared a how quick and easy it is to add window film in her D.I.Y tinted windows project.
Maximise natural ventilation
Opening windows and doors can help circulate air and maintain a comfortable temperature without relying solely on air conditioning. If insect screens are not present, consider magnetic screens which can easily be removed.
Keep things breezy with Easy ways to improve air quality at home.
Install water-saving shower heads
Swapping traditional shower heads for water-saving models can greatly reduce water consumption without sacrificing water pressure. These shower heads aerate the water, creating a more efficient flow that can save both water and the energy used to heat it.
Follow our step-by-step guide How to change a shower head.
Upgrade appliances to energy-efficient models
Consider replacing old, inefficient appliances with energy-efficient alternatives. Newer washing machines, dryers and dishwashers come with Energy Star ratings, indicating their energy efficiency. While this may require an initial investment, the long-term savings on energy bills can be significant.
Experienced member @Adam_W provides advice on how to choose the right heater in his guide How to keep your home warm in winter.
Change the curtains
Curtains can help maintain a room's temperature. Sheer curtains are great at letting in light but perform poorly at stopping draughts and insulating a window. Swap them or add heavy blockout curtains designed to both retain and exclude heat and cold.
Make sure to read our guide on How to hang curtains.
Reduce water use in the garden
To reduce water use in the garden, install targeted irrigation systems such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses. These systems deliver water directly to the root zone of plants, minimising evaporation and runoff compared to traditional sprinklers.
Use water storage crystals and wetter agents in your garden to reduce water usage. These products help retain moisture in the soil and improve water absorption, ensuring plants stay hydrated while eliminating excessive water usage.
Here’s a helpful step-by-step article on How to install a drip irrigation watering system.
Help to reduce your energy bills
Need more assistance with how to make changes to your rental home that will save you money but won’t get you in strife with your landlord? Don’t hesitate to hit the Ask a question button. We're here to help.
