Cost reducing/ energy saving tips for new apartment?

Question

I'm moving into a new apartment (first time out!!) and I need some tips for how to save money, and energy (trying to be a good Earth citizen.) Is it cheaper/ better to use a ceiling fan than an air conditioner? Do fluorescent light bulbs really work better?

Answer 1

How to Cut Your Energy Costs
Cutting back on your energy usage is not only good for your wallet but also good for the environment. Here are a few simple things that anyone can do to save hundreds of dollars a year! We’ve also got tips on how to keep your apartment comfy, all throughout the year, without a major energy bill.

Save Cash

Close vents you are not using. Whether it’s summer or winter, closing up vents in rooms that you don’t spend a lot of time in is a smart way to cut back on electric costs. Why heat or cool a room that no one is in? Keep the door to the room that you’re not heating or cooling closed. Whether it’s summer or winter, closing up vents in rooms that you don’t spend a lot of time in is a smart way to cut back on electric costs.


Turn off the lights and electronics when they are not being used. When you walk out of a room, turn off the light. Seriously, these costs do add up over time.

Use your range oven only when necessary. Try to prepare foods in a microwave or toaster oven instead, both use less energy.

Use nightlights in bathrooms and hallways. These lights save energy and prevent you from having to switch the lights on and off when you get up at night.

Stay Warm

Keep your shades up and blinds open. This will help you to make the most of solar energy. Studies also show that being exposed to sunlight can help improve your mood.

Use your ceiling fans in reverse. This draws warm air through your home.

Use compact fluorescent lighting. These bulbs use less than half the energy of incandescent light bulbs and last longer.

Use appliances wisely. Your dishwasher and washing machine use a good chunk of energy as well as water. Run them only when you have a full load.

Keep your landlord in check. Speak to your landlord or building manager to ensure that the furnace and air filter in your building are clean. A properly working furnace will cost less to run that a dirty or broken one.

Monitor your thermostat. Purchase a timer and keep your apartment cooler when you’re away or asleep. Some people actually sleep better when the room is cooler. The amount of money you spend on the timer will be saved in your first month’s energy bill.

Keep Cool

Change the filter in your air conditioner. You’ll save 5-15% if you keep your filter clean by changing it once a month.

Close the shades and blinds. Funny how that works, huh? We told you to open them in the winter. Get your tan outside and keep the sun out of your apartment.

Set the thermostat at 78, not 72, degrees Fahrenheit. You could save up to nearly 50% by making this adjustment.

Use fans wisely. Place them where they will circulate the most air and leave them on high so that they have enough power to push the air around.

Answer 2

Flourescent bulbs work wonders for saving energy. Use a ceiling fan when trying to heat the house (Circulates the warmer air down and helps the house warm up faster) Get a programmable thermostat so you can time it for only times when you are home. Turn all the lights off that you aren't using. Use blankets instead of the heater as much as possible in the winter. Set your thermostat high in the summer (80-85 degrees F).

Thing like that.

Answer 3

Using a ceiling fan instead of the ac will greatly lower your energy bill in the summer. I use the energy saving light bulbs too, but I haven’t noticed a difference in the bill. The biggest energy saver I found was putting plastic on all of the windows in the wintertime. It really prevents a draft. Also remember to always turn everything off when you leave the house!

Good luck at your new place

Answer 4

Depend where you live. In tropical country, you can safe a lot of energy when you use lesser heating appliance such as water heater and high energy consumption heat bulb or halogen fan.
Of course air conditioner consume higher energy compared to ceilling fan. But you really need it, you can also safe when you set its timer for 1-2hr till you are asleep while letting the fan on throughout the night, for example. Yes flourescent light normally better than yellow bulb. Look for the smaller wattage.

Answer 5

The best way for save money and energy is use a device for energy saving convert the reactive power than the electrical meter don't register into active power for practical use, and so the energy saving is 100% and the costs go to zero

Here is one of that devices

http://www.gratisweb.com/econo/Eng/Ecoe.htm


From the web site you can free download the paper for build that device


Bye

Answer 6

On top of the things that every one else is saying make sure all windows and doors are sealed properly. You can buy weatherstripping at any hardware store real cheap and they are easy to install yourself. That will help save money! It cost $5-$10 for good stripping and you could save that in a month or two just by getting rid of drafts! Congrats on the new apt!

Answer 7

Use compact florescent bulbs. In the summer turn up the air conditioner a notch or two. In the winter turn the heat down a bit. Comparison shop and wait for discounts. Eventually everything will be on special. You just need to wait a while. Heat making appliances are the biggest wasters of energy.

Answer 8

use your ceiling fan ,throw away your a/c~,fluorescent light are cheaper to run but to buy they are more costly~if paying for water get a brick and put it in the back tank of the toilet~turn down the water temperature in the hot water heater~leave heat on a constant temp,don't turn up and down~

Answer 9

use dimmer switches if you have them ,unplug your cell phone adapter when you are not using it.install water saving shower head,its a low cost.dont use electric blankets or electric matress pads.dont use the oven unless it will be full.two dishes instead of one.keep at least one jug of water in your freezer at all times,it keeps the freezer from runnig so much,yes i laughed at this one but it works!.I personally cant indorse the cost or value of floresence lighting it hasnt saved me a penny yet.never wash less than a full load of clothes,and dont leave the water running continelousy for risening dishes,or brushing teeth. good luck and enjoy your new home.

Answer 10

Turn the dial in your fridge from max cold to about half. Your food will still be plenty cold, and you will save a decent amount of energy at the same time.