Let’s be real: utility bills add up fast. Whether you’re running the A/C all summer in Austin, TX or cranking up the heat in winter, staying comfortable in your apartment often means higher energy costs. But here’s the good news: saving money and the planet is possible without sacrificing convenience or comfort.
At Lamar Union, we believe living sustainably should be accessible to everyone. With a few smart, energy-efficient apartment tips, you can significantly lower your apartment electric bill, reduce waste, and make a real difference in your monthly budget. These practical strategies are renter-friendly, low-effort, and work in any season.
In this guide, we’ll cover daily lifestyle tweaks, kitchen and appliance strategies, seasonal adjustments, and a few long-term efficiency tips to help you save energy in your apartment starting today.
Everyday habits to save energy in your apartment
Let’s start with the small stuff. These are easy, everyday habits you can build right into your routine. They might seem minor, but together they can shave a noticeable amount off your electric bill each month.
1. Unplug and power down unused electronics
Even when they're “off,” many electronics still pull electricity. It’s called phantom energy, and it can account for up to 10% of your home’s total power use.
Quick fixes:
- Unplug small kitchen appliances like toasters and coffee makers when not in use.
- Use a smart power strip to shut down multiple devices at once, perfect for TVs, consoles, and workstations.
- Make it a habit to unplug chargers when they’re not actively charging anything.
These changes take seconds, but they add up over time in both energy savings and lower bills.
2. Make the switch to efficient lighting
Lighting is one of the easiest places to cut energy waste without changing your lifestyle.
Here’s how:
- Replace old bulbs with LEDs. They last up to 25 times longer and use about 75% less energy.
- Use task lighting instead of lighting an entire room unnecessarily.
- Turn lights off when leaving any room, even if it’s “just for a minute.”
- Take advantage of natural sunlight during the day by opening blinds or curtains.
Looking for extra control? Smart bulbs let you schedule lights, dim them, or control them via your phone. These energy-efficient apartment tips help reduce your electricity use daily.
3. Adjust your thermostat settings wisely
Heating and cooling your apartment is one of the biggest energy expenses. A few degrees up or down can mean serious savings.
Energy-smart thermostat habits:
- In summer, set your thermostat around 78°F when home, and bump it up when you're away.
- In winter, aim for 68°F and lower it further while you sleep or if you’re out for the day.
- Dress seasonally indoors, layer up in cooler months and stick to breathable fabrics in the heat.
- Use ceiling fans (clockwise in winter, counterclockwise in summer) to improve airflow and support your HVAC system.
If your apartment includes a programmable or smart thermostat, take advantage of scheduling features to save energy in your apartment with minimal effort.
4. Optimize your window use
Windows don’t just let in light, they also impact your heating and cooling needs. Use them strategically to regulate your indoor temperature naturally.
- Keep blinds and curtains closed during hot summer afternoons to block out heat.
- In winter, open them during the day to bring in solar warmth, then close them at night to trap it inside.
- Add blackout curtains or insulated panels for an added buffer against heat or cold.
- If you feel drafts, use temporary weather stripping or a draft stopper to keep conditioned air where it belongs.
When used right, your windows become a free tool to help you save energy in your apartment, no upgrade required.
5. Do laundry the low-energy way
Laundry is a necessity, but it’s also a common source of energy (and water) waste. The good news? Minor habit shifts can drastically improve efficiency.
Energy-saving laundry tips:
- Wash in cold water, most detergents work just as well without hot water, and it cuts energy use significantly.
- Run full loads to make the most of each cycle.
- Air-dry when possible. A drying rack near a sunny window does the trick.
- Clean your dryer’s lint trap after every load for better airflow and quicker drying times.
Kitchen and appliance efficiency strategies
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also one of the biggest energy consumers in any apartment. From cooking to cleaning, everyday kitchen habits have a real impact on your electricity use. With a few energy-efficient apartment tips built into your routine, you can make your meals and your energy bills easier to digest.
1. Cook smarter, not harder
Cooking doesn’t have to be an energy drain. With a few tweaks, your favorite meals can be just as delicious without sending your power bill through the roof.
Try this:
- Use the microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer for smaller meals instead of the full-size oven. They use less energy and heat up faster.
- Keep lids on pots to speed up cooking time and reduce the need for high heat.
- Match your burner size to your pot size, placing a small pot on a large burner wastes energy.
- Defrost food in the fridge overnight instead of using the microwave.
During warmer months in Austin, TX, avoiding the oven also helps keep your apartment cooler.
2. Rethink your refrigerator habits
Your fridge runs 24/7, so even small changes here can help you save energy in your apartment without sacrificing food freshness.
Energy-efficient fridge tips:
- Keep it full but not packed. A well-stocked fridge retains cold better than an empty one, but air still needs room to circulate.
- Let hot food cool before placing it inside to avoid making the compressor work harder.
- Check door seals for gaps and clean them regularly to maintain an airtight close.
- Set your fridge to 37–40°F and your freezer to 0°F, any colder just wastes electricity.
3. Use your dishwasher wisely
Dishwashers are more efficient than hand-washing if you use them strategically. Here’s how to make the most of each load:
- Run only full loads to save both water and electricity.
- Skip the “heated dry” cycle and let your dishes air-dry instead. Just open the door once the cycle ends.
- Scrape plates instead of rinsing, modern dishwashers are designed to handle a bit of mess.
- Use the eco or energy-saving setting if your model offers it.
4. Minimize standby power with kitchen appliances
Much like living room electronics, kitchen gadgets are often left plugged in around the clock, even when not in use.
Here’s how to reduce standby energy:
- Unplug your blender, toaster, coffee maker, or instant pot when you’re done using them.
- Consolidate plugs on a power strip and flip it off at night or when you’re away.
- If you meal-prep weekly, consider batch-cooking to reduce repetitive appliance use.
These small changes help lower your apartment electric bill over time and help keep your countertops clutter-free.
5. Invest in small efficiency boosters
If you’re looking to go the extra mile, these low-cost upgrades and tools can help stretch your energy savings even further:
- Electric kettle: Heats water faster and more efficiently than the stovetop.
- Induction burner: Uses less energy than a traditional coil or gas stove.
- Slow cooker or pressure cooker: Great for batch meals with low sustained energy use.
Many of these tools are portable, apartment-safe, and perfect for renters looking to boost energy-efficient apartment tips without modifying the space.
Seasonal strategies to help you save energy
1. Summer savings strategies
Summer heat can make your electric bill spike fast especially if your A/C runs non-stop. Here’s how to stay cool without overworking your system:
- Use fans first. Ceiling fans, box fans, or tower fans use significantly less energy than central air. In warm weather, set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise for a wind-chill effect.
- Block out the sun. Close blinds or blackout curtains during peak daylight hours to reduce indoor heat.
- Avoid using the oven. Opt for no-cook meals, outdoor grilling, or small appliances like air fryers to prevent unnecessary heat indoors.
- Run appliances at night. Dishwashers and laundry machines generate heat. Use them during cooler hours to avoid raising your apartment’s internal temperature.
2. Winter warmth without the waste
Cold months bring the opposite challenge keeping warm without cranking the heat all day. Here’s how to stay toasty while keeping costs down:
- Dress in layers. Start with cozy socks, hoodies, and fleece. Warm clothing allows you to keep the thermostat lower.
- Reverse your ceiling fan. In winter, switch your fan to clockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling.
- Let the sunshine in. Open curtains during daylight hours to warm up your space naturally, then close them at night to retain heat.
When used smartly, your heating system won’t need to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temp saving you money with every cycle.
3. Spring and fall efficiency tune-ups
The transitional seasons are the perfect time to reset your habits and prep your apartment for extreme temperatures ahead.
Quick tune-ups:
- Clean your air vents to improve airflow and system efficiency.
- Rotate clothing and bedding. Swap out heavier textiles for lighter ones and vice versa to maintain comfort without energy spikes.
- Check window seals and weather stripping. Address small gaps before they become big problems.
- Open windows strategically. Take advantage of mild days by turning off climate control and letting fresh air in.
These shoulder seasons are also ideal for reevaluating your appliance use, lighting routines, and other daily energy habits.
4. Adjust your habits by daylight hours
As the amount of daylight changes with the seasons, so should your approach to lighting and temperature control:
- In summer: Maximize early morning light and close blinds in the afternoon to beat the heat.
- In winter: Open window coverings wide in the morning to let light (and warmth) in, and consider using LED task lamps as natural light fades.
Being in sync with the sun helps reduce dependence on artificial lighting and HVAC, both of which drive up your electric bill.
5. Prep for energy efficiency during vacation or travel
Heading out of town? Don’t forget to prep your apartment for low-energy mode while you’re away:
- Turn off or unplug electronics. That includes your TV, kitchen gadgets, and chargers.
- Adjust your thermostat. Set it higher in summer or lower in winter (if you're not leaving pets behind).
- Empty perishables from the fridge. If you’ll be gone for a while, an emptier fridge works less hard.
- Close blinds or curtains. Keeps your apartment insulated and protects interiors from UV damage.
Long-term upgrades and renter-friendly investments
So far, we’ve covered the daily habits, kitchen strategies, and seasonal tweaks that help you lower your apartment electric bill. But what if you’re ready to go a step further?
Whether you’re planning to stay in your apartment long-term or simply want to make your space smarter, these low-commitment upgrades and efficiency tools can pay off month after month without requiring permanent changes.
1. Upgrade to energy-efficient accessories
Not all energy-saving solutions require a contractor. Some of the most effective options are affordable, portable, and totally renter-friendly.
Top picks:
- Weather stripping kits to seal drafty windows and doors.
- Smart plugs to monitor and schedule power usage by device.
- LED nightlights and motion-sensor lighting for low-traffic areas.
- Power usage monitors that help identify which devices consume the most electricity.
Most of these tools are under $30 and can move with you if you relocate making them perfect for apartment dwellers looking to save energy in their apartment without permanent installs.
2. Opt for multi-functional, efficient furniture
Your furniture can also work harder (and smarter) when it comes to energy:
- Blackout curtains double as sound dampeners and temperature regulators.
- Area rugs provide added insulation, especially on tile or hardwood floors.
- Light-colored decor reflects natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
- Designing your apartment with efficiency in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing style it just means being intentional about function.
3. Choose Energy Star-rated appliances when possible
If your lease allows, and you’re supplying any of your own appliances (like a microwave or air purifier), always look for Energy Star-certified products.
Why it matters:
- These appliances are third-party certified to use less energy without compromising performance.
- Many local utilities offer rebates or incentives for using them.
- Over time, the savings from just one or two Energy Star products can really add up.
4. Embrace smart tech (if available)
Many modern apartments now feature built-in smart tech or allow renters to bring in their own. When used right, smart tools can help lower your apartment electric bill while making life easier.
Examples:
- Smart thermostats like Nest or Ecobee learn your habits and optimize your HVAC schedule automatically.
- Smart bulbs can be dimmed, timed, or turned off remotely even if you forget after leaving.
- Energy monitoring apps connect to smart plugs and meters to show you real-time usage data.
If your apartment includes these features, take the time to set them up you’ll start seeing savings right away.
5. Communicate with your property team
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of being proactive. Talk to your leasing office or property team about:
- Any tips they recommend for the specific floor plan you’re in
- Smart thermostats, window treatments, or appliance replacements available in your building
- What utilities are included and how to monitor your own usage
Ready to live more efficiently?
Whether you’re trying to save energy in your apartment, looking for renter-friendly ways to cut costs, or simply aiming to live a little greener, these energy-efficient apartment tips give you the tools to start right now no major lifestyle changes required.
At Lamar Union, our modern apartments, smart home features, and community amenities make energy-conscious living easy and accessible. Want to learn more?
- Explore all available Floor Plans at Lamar Union
- Browse all Photos of Lamar Union
- Schedule your Guided Tour
Or reach out directly to us at (866) 788-5663 to ask about availability, features, or utilities in your future home.
Let’s make comfort, savings, and sustainability part of your everyday apartment life.