Control Winter Heating and Electricity Bills as a Financially Wise Renter

Many people are getting highly concerned about the slow increase in energy expenses as the chilly weather of fall and impending winter set in.

Given that the cold weather is expected to last for some time, being a renter, you might have noticed an increase in your heating or electric bills. Here are the top 14 suggestions for tenants on how to keep their houses warm and save money this winter.

1. Lower the thermostat

This is the most obvious way to reduce your rental home’s heating costs. Lowering the temperature on your thermostat from 70+ degrees to 68 will save about 5% on heating expenses. Although you might not notice much difference and don’t have to give up your comfort, the outcomes will make you happy.

Utilizing a smart thermostat with a timer and temperature control can also be advantageous. Set the thermostat even lower than usual, or have it turn off completely when you leave home for the day or go to bed at night to save even more money.

2. Reduce the heat on your water heater

Many water heaters have a 140-degree maximum temperature. The water doesn’t have to be that hot every time. Even if you lower the temperature by just 20 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, it will still produce enough heat. You would also save 8% a year on heating your water! 

Additionally, you can purchase a blanket to drape around the water heater. As a result, the heating element wouldn’t have to be used as frequently because the heat would be retained inside.

3. Control the temperature of your refrigerator

To keep food chilled, set your refrigerator to 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit; to freeze food, set your freezer to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. You are wasting electricity if you have your temperature set lower than that.

4. Turn off the heat in empty rooms

Turn off the heat or cover the vents in any spare rooms in your home that aren’t frequently utilized, including guest rooms or dens. This will direct more heat into the spaces where it is most needed.

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Keep the doors to these rooms closed to prevent cold air from entering other areas of the house. Make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture and are cleaned out regularly, so that heat can flow through easily to ensure you get the most of it possible in the spaces you utilize.

5. Reduce your electricity usage at peak times

According to electric providers, non-peak hours are overnight, on weekends, and during holidays when fewer people are using electricity. Peak hours are essentially when everyone is up and using the most electricity.

The thing is, peak hours are when power providers charge more for electricity. Check out the peak times for your provider because they differ depending on the company and location. Use your energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, ACs, etc., during the off-peak hours.

6. Try to wash and dry full loads of laundry

Avoid wasting energy by washing multiple loads of laundry. Instead, wait a few more days and run a larger, full load of laundry. Also, stretching a clothesline in your backyard or balcony to dry laundry naturally will help you save energy. Just make sure to check your local laws in advance!

7. Switch off all holiday lighting

For many people, purchasing holiday lights during the winter is an additional expense that puts a heavy load on their credit cards during these months. People mainly use these decorations during the last two months of the year. Besides that, they have limited usage of those lights.

Christmas lights and decorations are one of the highest holiday costs, but most people can’t avoid them either. For this reason, many individuals have to face increased credit card bills after the holidays. 

If you are one of the people who cannot say no to opulent decorations, you have no other options but to pay those huge bills late, not pay them at all and get interest charges, or consolidate your credit card debts and pay them gradually.

If you don’t want to avoid the holiday lighting entirely and also aim to control the costs, choose a timer that will turn your lights off at a specific hour or turn them off manually before going to bed.

Although it’s common practice to keep Christmas lights and decorations up until the new year, shutting them off right after Christmas will save you money on electricity for an additional week.

8. Unplug all electronic equipment

It is a fact that power is continuously being drawn by plugged-in equipment even when it’s turned off. Making a habit of unplugging all unused electronics will help you save money on electricity. Devices like your microwave, toaster, computer, TV, and lamps should all be pulled out of sockets when not in use.

9. Use budget billing options

Many utilities provide “budget billing,” which divides the total cost of a year’s worth of service into equal monthly payments rather than charging more or less depending on the season. Overall, you won’t save money by doing this, but it will make your monthly expenses predictable and easier to plan for. The amount may fluctuate once a year depending on your usage over the previous 12 months. Ask your utility provider whether they offer this option.

10. Examine your attic’s insulation

Heat always rises upwards. So if your attic is poorly insulated, some heat may escape as it goes up and out, and too much cold air will enter a room due to poor insulation instead. That’s why proper attic insulation is a necessity.

11. Stop air leaking

Initially, always keep your windows and doors closed and take a look at your weatherstripping: any damage or cracks could make it worthless. Ensure that any potential leaky areas around doors or windows are sealed as well as possible. Using door draft stoppers is an easy and inexpensive technique to help keep heat in. Additionally, you may use window seal systems that completely encase your window in plastic to block the cold air. 

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Finally, make sure to close the damper on your fireplace while it’s not in use if you have one in your home, and don’t forget to check the garage or basement doors!

12. Make the most of your drapes and shades

When the sun is shining through the windows, open your curtains and shades, and shut them tightly at night. Sunlight entering your home through glass will heat it like a greenhouse. But be sure to close them as soon as the sun is no longer visible to prevent air leakage. Your curtains will add a layer of insulation to your home’s windows.

13. Perform routine maintenance and filter replacements

If the air filters in your heating system are replaceable, ensure they are clean and change them according to the suggested timetable. Dirty filters can restrict airflow through your system, reducing efficiency and increasing operating costs.

Regular cleaning or other maintenance is necessary for various heating systems to function successfully and efficiently. Check the specifications for your system and hire a professional. You can also perform the maintenance yourself if you are confident in your DIY skills.

14. Don’t underestimate the importance of warm clothes

If you are lowering the heat by controlling the devices, use warm clothing, such as long pants, socks, and a sweater or sweatshirt, to avoid cold. This way, you can lower the thermostat a few degrees without feeling uncomfortable.

Most individuals find an ambient room temperature of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day pleasant.

Author Bio: Lyle Solomon has extensive legal experience as well as in-depth knowledge and experience in consumer finance and writing. He has been a member of the California State Bar since 2003. He graduated from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California, in 1998, and currently works for the Oak View Law Group in California as a Principal Attorney.

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