Energy Conservation Strategies for the Apartment Dweller

Energy conservation strategies are not just for homeowners. Apartment dwellers can benefit from conserving energy too, and more renters are becoming aware of the need to save money in this area. There are many things you can do on your own, and a few things that require your landlord’s permission and help.

Energy Conservation Defined

In simplistic terms, energy conservation is when you do all you can to decrease the amount of energy you use. You develop habits that become so ingrained, that the work to conserve energy becomes second nature. You don’t have to “remember” to shut lights off, it’s automatic. The first step to saving money on energy is to work on energy conservation. Then, you can work towards generating alternative energy.

Energy Conservation Strategies for Your Electronics

The electronic devices around your apartment are using up more power than you might think. Developing sound energy conservation strategies for your electronics will help you save money. For example, unplug appliances and only plug them in the moment you need to use them. The reason is that they use energy even though you turn them “off.”

For example, unplug your electrical stove or gas stove that uses electricity for its thermometer and clock. This can get irritating because the stove outlet is not often as accessible as the one for your coffee pot. However, there are ways to organize your cooking so that you’re not constantly turning it on and off. If you cook once or twice and week and freeze your items, then you won’t have to shut it off as much. Unplugging your smaller appliances is easier, and you should work on doing that all the time until it becomes a habit.

Energy Conservation Strategies for Your Bathroom

It takes energy to heat water for baths and showers. The longer you’re in there, the more electricity you’ll use. This is not good news for those who enjoy long baths for mental health and relaxation benefits. To reduce energy usage, start timing your showers. Start with ten or fifteen minutes and work your way down. Reduce the amount of baths you take per week by half. Find other ways to relax, perhaps with some of the money you’ll save by conserving energy in the bathroom.

Convert some of the items you use in the bathroom from electric to battery power. For example, use a battery powered lamp, solar powered lamp or tap-on light when you use the bathroom instead of turning on the light. This won’t work if you want to use the bathroom mirror or plan to shave. However, it will work for using the toilet.

Energy Conservation Strategies for Your Home Office

If you’re a work-at-home apartment dweller, then a major area of concern for you might be in your home office. That’s where you spend most of your day, and you need everything on to do your work. However, you can still conserve energy by applying the conservation strategies for your electronics, described above. Also, arrange the furniture in your home office to optimize natural light so that you don’t resort to turning on lights.