As the global community grapples with the pressing need for sustainable living, environmentally conscious tenants often face unique challenges, particularly when renting. Limited freedom to make structural changes and reliance on landlord-controlled appliances can make energy conservation seem like an uphill battle. However, recent research offers insights into how tenants can save energy without straining their relationship with landlords. Here are five practical tips for greener living in your rented property.
- Keep the Heat In:
One of the most effective ways to conserve energy is to prevent heat loss from your home. Draught-proofing, blocking gaps that allow cold air in or warm air out, is a simple yet powerful technique. Utilizing curtains and blinds can improve the heat retention of double-glazed windows by up to 38%, according to research. Consider insulating plastic film covers for windows, which can enhance heat retention by 24%.
Doors are another source of heat loss. Installing brush strips, covers for letterboxes, and disc flaps for keyholes can help draught-proof doors. Don’t overlook the floor – up to 10% of your home’s heat can escape through it. Rugs or mats with a thick carpet pile, suggested to be around 10mm high, can reduce energy consumption by 12.8%.
- Make Better Use of Your Radiator:
Optimizing the performance of your radiator is crucial for efficient heating. Providing at least 30cm of space in front of the radiator allows warm air to circulate. Wooden casings on radiators, while aesthetically pleasing, can reduce heat output by 40%. Consider using magnetic radiator covers instead, which only reduce heat output by 11%.
- Lower the Temperature:
Reducing room temperature without sacrificing comfort is possible. Exploit natural light, as well-lit spaces often feel warmer. Additionally, understanding spatial alliesthesia – the human response to warming specific body parts – can enable you to feel comfortable at lower temperatures.
- Save Energy in Your Kitchen:
The kitchen is a hotspot for energy consumption. Consider alternatives to conventional ovens, such as air-fryers and microwaves, which use less energy. Even with pre-installed appliances in rental properties, efficient usage can result in energy savings. Cooking with lids on pans can save up to 30% of energy compared to uncovered pans. Regularly cleaning the coils at the back of the fridge can improve energy efficiency by up to 25%.
- Understand Your Energy Use:
While energy-saving advice is abundant, research indicates that it may not significantly impact our energy consciousness. Visualizing the immediate impact of energy consumption, however, can lead to behavioural changes. Smart meters, displaying real-time energy use and associated costs, have proven effective in reducing consumption in rental properties. A Danish study of 200 rental apartments found that electricity, heating, and water consumption all decreased after the installation of smart meters, regardless of residents actively interacting with the devices.
In conclusion, combining heightened awareness of energy use with practical measures to improve living spaces can empower tenants to reduce energy consumption in rented properties. By adopting these five tips, environmentally conscious individuals can play a crucial role in fostering sustainable living, even within the constraints of rental agreements.