Every year millions of students and twenty-somethings make the apartment switch, but how many stop and think about the money they could be saving on utility bills by asking a few simple questions?
Here's 5 simple questions to identify energy-gushers in your apartment search and some cheap ways to fix any problems you may find:
- Ask to see the utility bills! Seems pretty obvious, but few people do it in retrospect. Try to get a year's worth of bills as costs vary with seasonal weather. Alternatively, and much simpler, ask the current tenants if you can see their profile on Wattzy!
- Is the water heater insulated? If you find an uninsulated hot water heater, wrap it up with a special blanket you can get from the Home Depot for $25. You're almost gauranteed to save with this one.
- What type of thermostat and lighting is in the apartment? Consider switching out old thermostats with a new, programmable model and replacing incandescents with soft-hue CFLs (newer models have much better quality)... hooking up the thermostat is easier than it sounds and you can take both thermostat and CFLs with you when you move!
- Are the appliances ENERGY STAR rated? Appliances are a little bit trickier, since landlords don't always spring for the latest models, but maybe they'll split the difference: you offer up your expected annual savings from an EnergyStar replacement and get a shiny new model in return.
- Does the weatherstripping need to be replaced? Is the white trim around doors and windows old and cracked? Roll up you sleeves and grab a $10 caulking gun. You can save well and make your home less drafty in just an afternoon.
When I lived in upstate New York, my rent was only $400/month, but my gas heating bills reached nearly $250 in the winter... in retrospect, we probably should have nabbed a chimney balloon and gotten some weatherstripping.
How much can you save by taking following these simple recommendations? Sign up for Wattzy and you can find out now.
