Advice for Renters & Residents: Six Tips to Reduce Costs and Emissions

Renters and residents (non-homeowners) face unique challenges when it comes to energy conservation and climate action. Unlike homeowners, they may have limited control over major appliances or structural changes. 

Fortunately, limited control doesn’t mean no control. We’ve put together a list of six actionable steps to reduce your carbon emissions and monthly costs.

How many will you try this week?

1. Buy an Induction Hot Plate

Induction is a marvel of cooking technology. It matches gas stoves in control and performance while eliminating the negative health impacts of burning gas in your home. Induction cooktops are also (nearly) safe to the touch, making it a significantly better option for families. 

You don’t need to replace the stove, oven, or range. There are high-performance, portable induction hot plates that will do the job. They are easy to use, compact, and can be stored away when not needed, making them ideal for renters. 

By switching to induction, you’ll improve your indoor air quality, maintain cooking performance, and reduce emissions. And the best part: you can take it with you when you move!

Bonus tip: to maximize the health impact of switching from gas to induction cooking, remember to always use the kitchen exhuast hood or vent to remove cooking pollutants at the source.

2. Upgrade to a Low-Flow Showerhead

Replacing a standard showerhead with a low-flow version is a simple yet effective way to conserve water and reduce energy usage. Low-flow showerheads can cut water consumption by up to 50% without sacrificing water pressure.

High-quality models can be found on Amazon for less than $100 with flow rates of 1.25 to 1.50 GPM (gallons per minute). You’ll reduce hot (and cold!) water consumption and save money. 

3. Weatherstrip Windows and Doors

Air leakage is the #1 source of heat loss. The “right way” to do air sealing is to complete a blower door (air tightness) test to help find the biggest air leaks. Blower door tests are a standard part of energy audits.

For renters, weatherstripping doors and windows is an inexpensive and easy-to-install solution. If you have single-pane windows, there can be significant savings. For everyone else, there might not be a big dollar or emissions savings but there should be a comfort improvement by reducing drafts in the coldest months. 

Renters on the top or bottom floors will see the biggest improvement.  

4. Install Energy-Efficient Lighting

Duh! This should’ve been done a decade ago. But it’s worth saying again: if there are any old-style light bulbs in the house, replace them with modern LEDs. 

LEDs use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. By replacing the bulbs in high-use areas of your home, such as the kitchen and living room, you can reduce your electricity consumption and lower your utility bills. 

Consider using dimmers or timers to further control energy use and extend the lifespan of your bulbs.

5. Create a Furnace Retirement Plan at Jouleia.com

Fuel-burning furnaces account for 75-95% of carbon emissions from a house. Switching from a furnace to a heat pump is the single biggest step to reduce emissions.

As a renter, this decision is likely out of your control.

But, Jouleia’s platform helps homeowners plan for their next heating system before it needs to be replaced after an emergency breakdown. As a renter, you can help with this process. Create a Furnace Retirement Plan and share it with the homeowner.

6. Changing Heating and Cooling Habits

Although renters and residents may not be able to change the HVAC system, there are ways to reduce heating and cooling requirements. In the summer, use fans in the highest traffic areas and remember to close curtains or shutters to reduce solar gain.

In the winter, smart thermostats can lower overnight temperatures to reduce energy consumption. Setting the thermostat a few degrees lower can significantly reduce heating requirements.

Reducing electricity consumption during peak hours impacts carbon emissions. During peak hours, fossil fuel-burning power plants account for more of the electricity supply. Try to push consumption to off-peak hours (11 pm to 7 am). 

Small Changes Add Up

As a renter or resident, you don’t have control over deep energy retrofits or major appliance changes. But the small changes you make can add up.

Using an induction hot plate, installing a low-flow showerhead, weatherstripping doors and windows, switching to energy-efficient lighting, creating a Jouleia furnace retirement plan, and changing heating and cooling habits can make a big difference in your home’s comfort, health, and sustainability.