10 Ways to Make Your Rental Energy-Efficient

When renting a property, energy efficiency is often disregarded. Tenants may believe it is the landlord’s obligation or that their short stay does not require modifications.

However, making slight changes to how you use energy can not only cut your monthly expenses but also your carbon footprint. These modifications do not need to be complicated or expensive.

With a few simple changes, any rental can be turned into a more energy-efficient apartment, benefiting both your budget and the environment. Furthermore, if you intend to relocate soon, prioritizing energy efficiency can be a game changer.

You may not realize it, but an energy-efficient rental is more appealing to potential new tenants and property managers. It also links in neatly with end-of-tenancy cleaning.

Let’s look at some ways you may increase your rental’s energy efficiency and make the most of your space without making huge expenses.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

One of the easiest and most efficient ways you can save power in your rental is by replacing regular light bulbs with energy-saving LED or CFL bulbs.

They not only use less electricity but also last far longer, therefore reducing the need for regular replacements. For instance, in warmer months, LED lights cool your house as they use up to 75% less energy and produce less heat than luminous ones.

Moreover, at the end of tenancy cleaning, you won’t have to worry about last-minute replacement of burned-out bulbs—a typical problem handled by landlords.

Install Draught Excluders and Window Insulation

Older rental homes can suffer from draughts that let hot air in during summer and cold air in during winter, therefore dramatically increasing your energy use.

Draught excluders around windows and doors provide a simple and reasonably priced treatment. Either easily created at home or purchased from most housewares shops, these can use insulating film for windows.

Why should one bother? Apart from making your property more appealing when it comes time to move out, draught-proofing can save you up to £25 annually on energy bills.

Moreover, these simple add-ons can be easily removed during end-of-tenancy cleaning, with no concern about making permanent changes.

Use Smart Power Strips

Many devices, even if turned off, require electricity constantly. Known as “phantom load” or “vampire power,” these power strips offer a basic way to fight this.

These devices automatically cut power to inactive electronics. Therefore, your TV, gaming console, or even phone charger won’t continue to draw power while they are not in use.

This little change can cut your power costs without any work on your side. You can carry these power strips with you to your next house, therefore extending your energy-saving efforts by the time you are ready to move and undertake end-of-tenancy cleaning.

Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Suppose your landlord lets you think about changing some of the appliances to energy-efficient models. While this might sound like a greater cost, many rentals come with outdated refrigerators, dishwashers, or washing machines that consume energy.

Particularly if you intend to stay long-term, discuss with your landlord maybe updating these items or even helping with the cost.

If you cannot replace the bigger appliances, pay attention to the smaller ones. Additionally, energy-efficient heaters, fans, or kettles make a difference.

Having modern and efficient appliances will make your rental much more appealing to potential renters. It could even result in a deposit back for good maintenance of the house when you move out and do end-of-tenancy cleaning.

Seal Leaks in HVAC Systems

Many rentals have HVAC systems that might not be operating as they should be, which increases energy consumption more than is required. Older homes where ducting might be leaking air are especially sensitive to this.

Sealing these leaks can raise heating and cooling efficiency by up to 20%. Although you might not be able to rebuild the system completely, it’s worth checking vents and ducts for leaks and, if needed, requesting repairs.

Apart from maybe earning some points with your landlord, a well-kept and sealed system might simplify your cleaning routine.

Replace Shower Heads and Taps with Low-Flow Alternatives

In most homes, water heating uses a good share of the energy consumed. Changing to low-flow showerheads and taps will help to cut this easily.

These devices can cut your water consumption by up to 50%,  therefore lowering the required energy consumption to heat the water. Like lightbulbs, they are cheap, simple to install, and—like lightbulbs—can be carried with you when leaving.

Tip on end-of-tenancy cleaning: these low-flow replacements won’t cause any marks or call for any major removal effort. Along with cutting water and energy costs, you will leave the property in a state that will wow your landlord.

Use Thermal Curtains

Although most people concentrate on insulation for windows and walls, curtains are quite important in preserving a constant temperature within your house.

By keeping the heat out in summer and preventing the cold in winter, thermal curtains provide more convenience for your home and help you use less energy for heating and cooling.

Moving out will benefit much from their simplicity in removal. Furthermore, they are functional and fashionable, which helps to create a more polished appearance at the end of the tenancy inspection.

Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

Should your rental include a thermostat, changing its settings will greatly impact your energy consumption. Just 1°C lower the temperature in winter will help you save up to 10% on your energy bills; in summer, raising the temperature will do the same.

Programmable or smart thermostats let you heat or cool your house just when needed, matching your schedule. Apart from saving electricity, this makes your rental more comfortable.

Opt for Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Though the chemicals in cleaning products might affect the environment, this might not appear directly relevant to energy efficiency. Eco-friendly cleaning products help you lower your carbon footprint when you are moving out. Many times, composed of biodegradable materials, they reduce environmental damage and expose you less to strong chemicals.

Moreover, employing natural cleaning solutions during your end of tenancy cleaning can also create a better impression on landlords or property managers since they typically prefer a clean and fresh-smelling home free of residual scents of strong chemicals.

Plan Your End of Tenancy Cleaning with Energy Efficiency in Mind

As you prepare to leave, don’t forget that your cleaning process can also include energy-efficient practices. Use cold water when washing floors or surfaces, unplug any devices you’re not using during the process, and take advantage of daylight instead of overhead lighting.

Keeping these small details in mind not only helps the environment but also ensures you’ve left no stone unturned in making your rental energy-efficient—right up to the moment you hand over the keys.

Final Thoughts on How to Make Your Rental Energy-Efficient

It is relatively easy to make your rental energy-efficient too. There are several ways to save money, lower energy consumption, and save the planet, from changing a lightbulb to tweaking a thermostat.

When it comes time to move out, these changes not only benefit you but also aid your landlord, so simplifying the lease-ending process. Remember, everyone uses energy, and it is not only for housekeepers.