What can I Do?

I am a Renter

Think energy efficiency is beyond your control? Even if you don’t own your home, there are several things you can do to start saving energy and money right away.

Here are 10 things you can do right away to start saving energy:

No-Cost

Turn down water heater thermostat to 120 F or the lowest setting.
Turn down thermostat when you go to bed and when you’re away from the house…better yet, install an Energy Star® programmable thermostat and get up to $100 rebate from Charlottesville Gas!
Install water saving shower head and faucet heads. Free kits available at City Hall!
Close heating vents and turn off lights in unused rooms.
Let the sun help heat your home during the winter! Open your drapes or blinds on the south side of your house to let in sunlight.

Low-cost

Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, especially for your 5 most used bulbs. What’s so great about CFLs?
Find and seal the biggest air leaks in your attic and basement, and around windows and doors. Or download Energy Star’s do-it-yourself guide to home sealing.
Change the air filter in your furnace at least once during the winter.
Install an insulating wrap for your water heater and insulate the first 3-4 feet of hot water pipe leaving your water heater.
Install storm windows in the winter, or purchase a shrink film insulation kit from your local hardware store.
To take the next step, understand how much energy your household is currently using. Keep in mind that your energy use will vary depending on the time of year. Use this tool to estimate your household energy use.

To take the next step, understand how much energy your household is currently using. Keep in mind that your energy use will vary depending on the time of year. Use this tool to estimate your household energy use.

If you qualify as a low income household, even as a renter, you may be eligible to receive free energy auditing and weatherization services from the Community Energy Conservation Program. For more information, call 434.293.3777 or toll free 877.816.0218.

Keep Cold Air Out

Seal leaks around doors, windows, and electrical outlets to avoid losing heat through these cracks.

Heat can escape through electrical outlets, light switches and fixtures on outside walls. Consider installing foam gaskets behind outlets and switches or install plastic security caps to reduce heat loss.

Remove window air conditioners for the winter. If they cannot be removed, seal around them with caulking or tape and cover them with an airtight, insulated jacket.

Use Appliances Efficiently

If your water heater surface is hot or even warm, energy used to heat the water is being wasted. If you never run out of hot water, then you’ve probably set your hot water thermostat too high. Reset it between 110-120 degrees.

Wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket. Check user manual and labels on the tank first.

Make sure heating vents aren’t blocked by furniture or drapes and the dampers are open. Vacuum out dust and pet hair from warm air registers and cold air returns so your furnace runs more efficiently.

Invest Wisely in Home Improvements

Thinking of replacing your furnace? Consider getting one rated 90% or higher in efficiency. Replacing your old furnace can save up to 30% on heating costs.

If you’re building a new home or remodeling, place the water heater as close as possible to the kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms. Heat is lost as it moves through pipes, so the closer the unit is to these rooms, the more money you save.

Invest Wisely in Home Improvements

For a minimal cost, you can upgrade the insulation in your exterior walls, crawlspace, basement and attic. Insulation may come in batts or as loose fill that can be blown into hard-to-reach places.

If you have single-pane windows, add storm windows to cut heat loss by up to 50%, or replace with energy-efficient double-pane windows with inert argon gas fill, warm-edge spacers and low-e coating.

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