Energy-Saving Tips for College Students on a Budget
So you've got the keys to your new place, and now you're officially flying solo! But hold up, what's this about bills? For many, those pesky bills can really sneak up -- especially utility bills that tend to fluctuate from one month to the next. Feeling a little nervous about it? We've got some hot tips to help you keep your energy bills in check during these crazy times of rising gas and energy prices!
First off, it's all about thinking efficiency! Not only is it great for the environment, but keeping an energy-efficient home is a sure-fire way to keep your bills under control. While you can't make huge changes as a renter, here are some easy (and cheap!) ways to save on energy!
Cool It
By that, we mean turn down that thermostat! Sure, it's always best to keep your home at a cooler temp in the winter and a warmer one in the summer, but we also want to be comfortable! The key is to avoid going overboard either way -- turn a fan on instead of the A/C, or grab a blanket instead of cranking the heat.
Another tip? Try adjusting the temperature when you leave for class or work -- even keeping your systems on low for 8 hours while you're gone can make a massive improvement in energy usage.
Zap Energy Vampires
We know it sounds crazy, but you need to watch out for vampire power drain! When you leave electronics plugged in (even when not using them!), they can continue to suck up power. Unplug chargers when you're not hooked up, or plug your appliances into a power strip with an on/off switch for easy energy savings!
Go Blind!
Okay, not really, but want to avoid turning your home into a sauna? Keep those blinds down during long summer days to block out the sun's rays and keep your place cool! No more need to crank that A/C -- you'll be saving energy and saving your skin from getting too toasty!
Keep It Short & Sweet
Your daily showers, that is! Saving on hot water is a great way to save energy. If you're a fan of those long, steamy showers, try turning down the heat a bit a few times a week -- it's better for your hair and skin anyway!
Fancy Feng Shui
Moving furniture and decor away from vents, registers, etc is a great way to keep the heat or cool air circulating through your space! Let your heating and cooling systems work smarter, not harder.
Just Chill Out
Your clothes, that is! If you've got a washer/dryer in your unit, try washing clothes on the cold setting! And for bonus points, air-dry those clothes! Avoiding the dryer is better for your clothes and your wallet.
Even just implementing a few of these tips can make a big difference in energy usage. We never want to send you extra bills, so conserving energy is key to keeping those bills under control. Cheers to being an independent-living pro!
