Inflation and rising energy costs mean we need to be careful with our energy consumption. Last year we wrote the article: 5 Tips for an energy-efficient rental property. This is the follow-up with additional 5 tips to save energy as a renter, because in the meantime a lot of options have been added .
Energy-efficient rental property: heating
1. Avoid heat loss
Clear the space on and around your radiators. Remove items such as clothes and books lying on the radiators. In addition, it’s also best to make your radiators dust-free. Obstacles such as furniture, enclosures and even dust have a negative effect on efficiency. If you remove the casing from a radiator in a rental property, be sure to keep it in a safe place. If you ever move into a house or apartment, you are required to put it back before you leave the property.
2. Heat locally
Heat only where you are, when you are there. Don’t waste energy heating an entire floor while sitting at a table in your living room. Infrared heating radiates local, direct heat from the panel, while traditional radiators heat air. Infrared requires less power (and therefore consumption) to heat. So you save energy.
3. Heat smartly
A programmable thermostat is an effective tool for saving energy. Analyze your own routine. Set your thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you are away from home or while you sleep. Set it to 15 degrees when you are away. And at 19 degrees when you are present. This prevents unnecessary energy consumption and ensures that you always come home to a warm environment.
4. Install radiator fans
Purchase radiator fans and place them under your radiators. The fans push the generated, heated air into the room. Thus, these devices heat up your room faster. You place the fans with the included magnetic brackets.
Savings in the kitchen
5. Dishwasher
Do not turn on your dishwasher until it is full. Choose the eco program. That uses less electricity. No need to pre-rinse, but do wipe off food scraps. Washing by hand? Use a tub instead of the sink and rinse with cold water instead of hot.
6. Make one-pot meals
One of the biggest energy consumers is cooking. By cooking on one burner instead of three or four, you save energy. Search online for tasty and inexpensive one-pot meals. There are numerous, free recipes there. For example, at Lekker en Simpel.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy not only a warm winter, but also your energy-efficient home. Make this winter a season of comfort and sustainability by being energy conscious.
👉 Read Part 1 of this article: 5 Tips for an energy-efficient rental property
Sources: Milieudefensie, Milieucentraal, Lumiworld (Luminus) & Zetookdeknopom
Would you like to cite this article as a source? Then use:
Stiasteny, L. (2023, Dec. 14). 6 Tips for an energy-efficient rental property. Apartment.com. Consulted on (date XX/XX/202X), from https://www.appartement.be/6-tips-voor-een-energiezuinige-huurwoning