Renters: How to Weatherize Your Home to Reduce Energy Costs

Energy burden is defined as the percentage of gross household income that is spent on energy costs. In some areas of the Kansas City Metropolitan area, residents experience an elevated energy burden. However, some energy costs can be reduced through weatherization. While it may be challenging to tackle as a renter, there are options to help you control your energy costs. Flatland caught up with energy experts to find out how renters can weatherize their units, and what makes it important in the first place.

Energy saving tips & tricks:

Here are some ways you can you can cut down on energy use this winter.

1. Be sure there is no air coming in from outside.

It seems simple, but it can really make a big difference. Check around your windows and your doors for any leaks. If you find some, you can use caulk or weather stripping to fill them in.

You can also consider using foam wall sockets – every hole in your wall is an opportunity for the frigid wind to make its way inside. Foam wall sockets are an easy way to provide more insulation.

2. Reverse your ceiling fans.

Did you know the direction that your ceiling fan spins can impact the temperature of a room? For the winter months, you’ll want your fans to spin clockwise to help circulate warm air.

3. Clean your gutters.

All those fall leaves sure are pretty – when they’re not clogging up your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams and other costly issues so before the next snow storm, make sure they are squeaky clean.

4. Check your filters.

When is the last time you changed your HVAC filter? Seriously, you gotta change that thing regularly. You may even investigate changing your HVAC filter more often during months when you’re running your furnace a lot, like in the winter.

5. Insulate your pipes.

If you’re cold, they’re cold. You can purchase foam tubes that can help protect your pipes from freezing, which, as you can guess, can prevent some pretty catastrophic issues.

As residents of Kansas City, we know things get can just as hot as they can get cold. And, some energy saving techniques aren’t exclusive to the cold weather months. Here are a few ideas to save on energy costs year round.

1. Learn how to efficiently operate your thermostat. If you’re anything like me, your father scared you into leaving that thing alone. But no fear, turning that dial down or up a little bit can actually go a long way.

In fact, you can save up to 10% per year on your HVAC costs by turning your thermostat down 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day, according to the Department of Energy.

2. Look into faucet aerators if you don’t have them already.

Aerators mix air with water so you can use less water while retaining the same level of pressure.

3. Replace incandescent lightbulbs with LED bulbs.

Did you know LED lightbulbs were initially used for traffic lights? Well, now you can use them in your home. According to the Department of Energy, LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs. They also last up to 25 times longer.

4. For the renters watching, bother your landlord.

There are a number of weatherization programs and opportunities you or your landlord can take advantage of.