Make energy-efficiency a goal for 2018!
As the weather seems to get colder each day, many of us want to run to our thermostat and crank up the heat to get warm. However, turning up the heat in an apartment leads to higher heating, gas, and electricity bills for the month. Also, 2018 is an important year for everyone to try to be more energy efficient, and work on using less electricity in our daily lives. If you want to be more environmentally friendly while also saving some money on your bills during the winter months, we’ve got some tips for you!
Insulate Windows
No one has their windows open in this cold Maryland weather, but your windows may still be letting cold air inside. Take the time to ensure your windows are properly insulated to make the most out of the sunlight as a natural heat source during the day, helping to cut down your energy bill. Window insulators can be made at home by making your own plastic cover, or by buying a draft stopping to put at the bottom of windows to keep cold air out and warm air inside.
Air Dry Clothes
If you have a washer-dryer in your apartment, you know how lucky you are. But don’t go crazy with the appliances, as they use a lot of energy. Whether you have your own washing machine or go to a laundromat, try to wash your clothes with cold water whenever possible. Cold water uses less energy, as it keeps the washer from expanding the power it takes to heat water. Also, be picky about what clothing you need to put in the dryer, and what clothes you can hang up to air dry to cut down on energy as much as possible. If you need to use a dryer, remember always to shake your clothing as you remove it from the wash to help them dry faster.
LED Bulbs
Change your lighting to compact fluorescent light bulbs, as they use up to 75 percent less electricity than traditional bulbs. LED bulbs may be a little more expensive in the store, but you’ll save money in the long run on energy bills, and the light bulbs last much longer than traditional lights.
Turn Off Powerstrips
While you likely turn appliances and devices off when they aren’t in use, some items still use energy. Electronics like TVs and gaming consoles use energy even when they are turned off, as they are in standby mode ready to turn on at any moment. By plugging these devices into a power strip, simply turn the switch off to ensure everything is turned off and not using energy. Also, smart power strips are a great option as they automatically turn off items when they are not in use.
Let Us Be Your Apartment Home!
Whether you need your very first apartment home or are relocating to the area, Apartments of Harborside Village would love to be your dream apartment home. Looking for beautiful waterfront apartments in Joppa, Maryland? Let us show you one of our spacious and affordable apartments at the Apartments of Harborside Village. To learn more about our apartment options, visit us online, give us a call at 410-679-1130, or email us. For a peek at what it’s like to live in our community, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube!