How to Manage Apartment Electricity Efficiently
If you have ever lived in an apartment, you have probably experienced the frustration associated with high electric bills, since many apartments do not have the insulation to create an energy-efficient environment. In addition, most HVAC units in apartments are not Energy-Star-qualified, which can mean high electric bills in the summer and winter. Fortunately, you can take a few steps to manage your apartment electricity efficiently and reduce your electric bills as much as possible, and it can help to know some ways to accomplish this.
Manage Your Apartment Electricity by Choosing a Good Apartment Unit
One of the best ways to ensure your apartment electricity is as inexpensive as possible is to select an apartment unit in an optimal location. This often means choosing an apartment on the first floor and making sure the unit you select does not face east or west, since this allows you avoid direct sunlight and the heat of the morning and afternoon sun. If it is not possible to find a unit that faces north or south, however, investing in some heavy curtains to cover your windows can help lower your electric bills as well.
Manage Your Apartment Electricity by Selecting a Small Unit
In addition to the location of your apartment, you should also consider the size of the apartment you rent, since larger units always use more electricity. If you live alone, you should consider renting a one-bedroom apartment instead of a larger two-bedroom, because your electric bills are likely to be much less costly for the smaller apartment.
Manage Your Apartment Electricity by Using Ceiling Fans and an Electric Blanket
Two more easy ways you can manage your apartment electricity effectively and efficiently are by using ceiling fans in the summer and an electric blanket in the winter. Research shows that ceiling fans can make a room feel up to 10 degrees cooler in the summer and up to 10 percent warmer in the winter, which means you can make your thermostat warmer or cooler than you normally would depending on the season.
Managing apartment electricity is usually as simple as choosing a unit that is as small as possible and in an optimal location as well as using ceiling fans and an electric blanket to reduce your bills in the summer and winter. While apartment living usually means higher electric bills than you would receive by living in an energy-efficient house, taking steps to choose the right size and location of your apartment can help you minimize your bills as much as possible.