Strategies for Reducing Energy Expenses when Living in a Rented Property
Savvy Ways to Slash Your Energy Costs while Renting
Dial down your utility bills with these smart energy-saving tips tailored for renters.
When you're not the property owner, it might seem challenging to boost your home's energy efficiency, but worry not! There are numerous simple ways to cut back on those electricity expenses.
"There's a bunch of straightforward, tech-free, and affordable methods to up your energy efficiency as a tenant," says RACV Head of Trades, Kieran Davies, who spent half a decade renting in Melbourne.
In Victoria, landlords must guarantee a property meets basic health and safety conditions. These conditions include heating and window coverings and can impact your energy consumption during your stay.
As a renter, you're permitted to perform minor modifications to the rental property to ensure it's suitable for your needs—don't forget to obtain your landlord's approval before starting any projects. In most cases, they won't deny your requests unless they have compelling reasons.
High-Value Energy Saving Strategies for Renters:
- Maximizing Home Heating Efficiency
- Tappers, Fans, and More: Quick Cooling Solutions for Renters
- Shedding Light: Optimizing Energy Use in the Dark
- Energy Efficiency 101: Reducing Appliance Consumption
- Could Changing Energy Suppliers Shrink Your Bills?
- Sun Power Revolution: Does Solar Energy Work for Renters?
Making Your Rental Home a Powerhouse | RACV
Embrace Energy Efficiency in Your Leased Abode
Heating
Victorian rental properties must offer a heater located in the main living space that's in working condition. Properly using heating appliances is crucial for keeping your home cozy while saving on energy costs.
Almost 50 percent of your household's energy consumption goes toward heating and cooling, according to the Australian Government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). Cutting back on your heating/cooling expenses can significantly lower your energy bill.
If your rental home sports a reverse-cycle air conditioner (or split-system), maintain a temperature between 18°C and 20°C in the winter months. Bumping up the temperature may boost energy consumption by 5 to 10 percent. Shut doors and seal off less-frequented rooms to improve energy efficiency.
Victorian rental properties must provide curtains or blinds in the living areas and bedrooms. Use these window coverings strategically to block cold air in winter and let in sunlight during the day. Laying down rugs on non-carpeted flooring can also help insulate your living space.
Uncover the sources of heat loss in your home by feeling around doors and windows. Using a draught stopper to block unwanted airflow and sealing any gaps and cracks around windows, doors, skirting boards, skylights, and cornices can be considered reasonable changes. Landlords can't refuse these adjustments without a reasonable excuse.
Zoning off areas of your home can help mitigate heat loss, especially in open-plan homes. Hang telescopic curtains in doorways to restrict airflow, resulting in a warmer and more energy-efficient living space.
Instead of using heaters or air conditioners, opt for extra blankets, hot water bottles, or an electric blanket to keep warm during cold nights. Electric blankets only consume four cents of electricity per hour, while space heaters gobble up around 15 cents per hour.
Cooling
Keep windows open during cooler parts of the day to let in breezes and expel hot air. Use shade coverings for windows during peak heat hours to keep your home cool and minimize the need for air conditioning.
If a fan or air conditioner isn't available in your rental, experiment with a "reverse heat pack." Place an ice pack in a teatowel and sleep with it on hot nights to cool down.
Lighting
Lighting accounts for roughly 10 percent of your energy use. Adopt the habit of turning off lights in rooms you're not using and replace inefficient bulbs with LEDs. LEDs use 75-85 percent less power than incandescent bulbs and can save energy and money in the long run.
Washing clothes in cold water can help clothes last longer, while also saving energy.
Appliances
Appliances consume 25 percent of your energy, but renters often supply their own appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and entertainment devices.
When purchasing new appliances, look for high energy-star ratings, as they indicate more efficient and cost-effective models. Be mindful of standby power consumption and ensure appliances are turned off completely at the wall.
Moreover, laundry habits can have an impact on energy consumption. Do full loads, use cold water cycles, hang laundry outside or indoors, and set temperatures properly for your fridge and freezer to save on electricity costs. Consider switching to a more efficient appliance like a single-burner induction cooktop or an air fryer for meal preparation.
Changing Electricity Suppliers
Renters are responsible for energy bills under their tenancy, as long as the rental property is separately metered. Consider switching electricity providers to find the best deal. Websites like Victorian Energy Compare make comparing supplier prices easier.
Adding Solar Panels to Your Lease
Solar Victoria offers incentives for landlords to install solar panels on rental properties under the Solar Homes Program. This includes rebates of up to $1,400 for installing solar panels on two rental properties per financial year. Landlords can also apply for an interest-free loan to match their rebate amount. Renters can contribute to the loan and help lower their long-term energy costs.
If you're a renter and wish to persuade your landlord to install solar panels, visit Solar Victoria for more information on the process, including an email template to send your landlord.
"To maximize your energy efficiency within your rental property, consider strategies like optimizing home heating, implementing quick cooling solutions, and reducing appliance consumption. By adopting these practices, you can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle and home-and-garden setup, while also saving on your energy bills."
"Moreover, investigating whether solar panels could be installed in your rental property through initiatives like Solar Victoria's Solar Homes Program might lead to long-term energy savings for both you and your landlord. By harnessing the power of solar energy, you'd be living in a greener, more cost-efficient home while promoting a sustainable lifestyle."
