10 Ways to Conserve Energy in Your Apartment

Posted by Ted Whitehead on Tue, Aug 16, 2011

In these hot and sticky summer days we are all doing whatever it takes to keep cool in order to beat heat. As summer continues, it’s normal for people to forget the importance of energy consumption. So we are here to help you out with these tips.

Certified Rental Building Program encourages residents to become more environmental conscious and energy efficient. If you follow up with these tips it ensures that you are cutting back on both environmental impressions and energy costs.

Renting an apartment often includes energy costs and it is not mandatory for residents to conserve energy. However, as a community member in your rental apartment building each resident can be an impact to the overall consumption. You can make a difference!

• Master the technique of “task lighting.” Keeps the lights in your apartment on only if you need them! It’s that simple and effective.
• Replace incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lighting as they are more energy efficient and do a much better job of keeping your apartment cooler. Keep in mind that fluorescent lamps are not designed for places like the bathroom as high humidity locations can create an electrical hazard.
• The small things make a big difference. Shutting the blinds to block sunlight from entering the room does wonders to keep cooler, not to mention the cut back on electricity usage.
• Choose the fan over your rental unit's air conditioner. Unless the air conditioner is needed for medical purposes or there is an extreme heat warning in circulation, it is necessary to use the air conditioner as health is always the first priority.
• If you are using the air conditioner, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should not be kept on in an empty apartment. There is a high level of energy consumption with running the air conditioner so being efficient will definitely cut back on the costs.
• Another major contributor to energy consumption in your apartment is the computer Leaving it on for the entire day has become a household phenomenon. Make it a routine to turn off computers along with printers when it is not in use.
• Ensure all windows are shut when the air conditioner is running. When hot air comes in, the air conditioner requires more energy to keep the room cool.
• Thaw frozen food in the fridge before cooking. This results in a shorter time needed for cooking.
• It’s better to wash the dishes and cutlery by hand instead of using the dishwasher, especially when the dishwasher is only half full.
• Similar to the above point, the washing machine should only be used if you have a lot of clothes ready for wash. It’s best to wash less in bigger bundles.

Morguard, a Certified Rental Building, effectively promotes and carries an environmental sustainability effort in attempts to reduce energy consumption levels. Their environmental program, Green Link, addresses such aspects as indoor air quality, waste conservation, energy conservation, among others endeavours.

Ted Whitehead is the Director of Certification for the Certified Rental Building Program, and the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO). Email him directly at twhitehead@crbprogram.org.