Sustainability Tips for Renters

By   |     |  Clean Power Guide

Even if you aren’t a homeowner, there are many no-cost and low-cost opportunities to save energy without making any major changes to your space. For example, simple actions such as replacing inefficient light bulbs with LEDs-which are 90 percent more energy efficient than past incandescent light bulbs-using a programmable thermostat, buying a countertop induction cooktop unit (you can take it with you if and when you move), and getting the correctly sized window air conditioner can reduce your monthly energy bills. Energy-efficient upgrades often reduce costs for both occupants and property owners, making them a smart investment for everyone.

DIY Actions

• Turn down your thermostat. Keeping your thermostat down just one degree saves about two percent of your heating bill. A five-degree reduction will generate 10 percent annual savings and could keep $80 to $200 in your pocket! Wear a sweater to help you stay warm.

• Consider installing a programmable thermostat and set it to 68° F when you’re home, and 55° F when you’re gone. It will remember to turn the heat down for you!

• Tighten up your windows. Even a small gap can drive up fuel bills. Got a loose window? Install weather stripping or caulk any gaps. It helps keep cold air out of the house.

• Install door sweeps if the gap between the door and floor is large. Use “draft dodgers” like a long pillow or towel under the door to reduce drafts.

For a comprehensive list of ways to reduce energy use in your condo or apartment, visit NYSERDAs website (Nyserdany.gov) or Energy-gov.

Visit Rewiring America (Homes.rewiringamerica.org) to check out renter opportunities. Other DIY methods are listed on Cornell Cooperatiev Extension’s Smart Energy Choices website (Smartenergychoices.org).

Assitance Programs

• HEAP: The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides assistance to heat and cool homes.

• HEAP Regular Benefit helps with heating expenses for income-eligible homeowners and renters. Incentives are also available to those with heat included in their rent.

Excepted with permission from Cornell Cooperative Extension, Smart Energy Choices website

• HEAP Emergency Benefit can help you heat your home if you are in a heat or heat related emergency.

• HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit is for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool.

• NYSEG’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP): If your HEAP grant was applied to your active NYSEG account, an EAP monthly bill credit is automatically applied to your NYSEG bill. The credit will display as a line item under your electricity and/or natural gas delivery charges on your NYSEG bill.

Need help talking to your landlord?

Electrification-or switching from appliances that run on natural gas, oil, propane, and other fossil fuels to better alternatives that run on electricity— can greatly reduce your energy bills. But substantial changes to energy technologies need landlord permission to perform.

Having that conversation can be difficult. A good time to start that conversation is when an inefficient appliance like an old gas-powered stove is failing or needs repair (don’t wait until it’s dead, since that will put time pressure on your landlord).

Landlords tend to respond best when you appeal to their priorities regarding their properties. Here are some angles you can take:

• Electrification makes buildings cheaper to operate.

• Electrification raises a building’s value.

• Electrification is better for the planet.

• Electrification protects your health.

• Electrification aids tenant retention and attracts new tenants.

For a more comprehensive guide to talking to your landlord, Rewiring America is a great resource. Visit the site for more talking points and a sample email to start conversations. NYSERDA also has a webpage breaking down assistance programs to discuss with your landlord. Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Community Energy Advisors are here to help throughout the process.

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