8 Tips for Apartment Efficiency

Apartment dwellers looking to reduce their energy use may sometimes feel the biggest impact can only be achieved through upgrades which are out of their control. Here are 8 tips to help anyone save energy and increase the efficiency of their apartment (or house!):

Apartment dwellers looking to reduce their energy use may sometimes feel the biggest impact can only be achieved through upgrades which are out of their control. Here are 8 tips to help anyone save energy and increase the efficiency of their apartment (or house!):

1. Switch out five standard light bulbs for compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and you can save as much as $60 a year on electricity
2. Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator before cooking.
3. Foods in covered pans begin boiling or steaming faster, which allows you to use lower temperature settings.
4. Set your refrigerator temperature between 30°F and 42°F and your freezer between 0°F and 5°F. Use the power-save switch if you have one and make sure that the doors seal tightly.
5. When you use your dishwasher, make sure you are washing full loads of dishes. Also, instead of using the heat cycle to dry your dishes, just open the door and let them air-dry.
6. Refrigerators and freezers operate most efficiently when full but not overcrowded. If your refrigerator is overloaded air may not circulate properly, causing your compressor to work hard and use more energy.
7. During warm weather months, set your thermostat to 78°F or higher when you’re at home and 85°F when you’re not. You can save up to 3% off your bill for each degree the thermostat is set above 72°F.
8. Use the sunlight to your advantage. During winter, open the shades and blinds on sunny days as a way to light and heat the interior of your home. Close them during the summer to keep your apartment cooler.