With many people either renting homes, flipping homes or purchasing homes for short stays- there is often very little, if any, incentive for designing energy efficient homes for the long haul.

Green designs and energy efficiency retrofits are often very expensive so it can take years for the energy savings to justify the initial expenditures. The good news is, even if you do not consider your current home to be a long-term investment, there are still simple and low-cost things that you can do right away to save money now on energy bills, without breaking the bank. 

You can economically modify your existing home, rental or apartment. Some ideas require spending a little money- purchasing rugs or large potted trees for example- but these items are portable so you’re not putting money permanently into a temporary living unit. The rest of these ideas are just extremely easy or thrifty, and some are even kind of fun. 

Heating & Cooling

Let’s begin with the biggies- Heat & A/C. Over half of a home’s energy consumption results from the heating and cooling the living space. 

Most warm or cool air loss occurs through the walls and roof, which is a difficult and expensive situation to rectify. An estimated one-third of winter heat loss is through the roof, and insulating or re-insulating the attic is by far the best way to cut heating and cooling costs. Unfortunately, insulating is also very expensive, especially if done right- by having foam sprayed in the attic on the underside of the roof. Fiberglass batting insulation is much less inexpensive although somewhat labor intensive and not as effective. 

However, the other (almost) half of heating/cooling loss occurs via the windows, doors and floor- which are all much easier and less expensive areas to remedy. Weatherstripping and caulk are inexpensive and relatively easy to install. Look for daylight around the edges and bottoms of windows and exterior doors. If light can get in, so can cold or hot air. Caulk, weatherstrip or otherwise block any cracks you find around windows and doors. In other words, anywhere you can see light, block that gap.  

Also, blinds, drapes and curtains are a real necessity, helping to block drafts from cold northern winter wind as well as offering shields from the harsh western summer sun.  Finally, rugs offer great floor insulation, and- like window coverings- are transportable, allowing you to invest in your home, even if it is just for a temporary stay. 

Passive Rather than Power

Take advantage of passive non-mechanical heating & cooling. Passive heating and cooling utilize natural energy sources- like the sun, wind or water- to indirectly affect conditions inside of the home. Based on your location, orientation and climate- minor re-adjustments can make your home more responsive to the climate, seasons and site. Properly leveraging passive energy requires maximizing the effectiveness of your home’s indoor/outdoor relationships. 

Redirecting harsh winter wind 

Windows- Curtains, Drapes, Blinds & Shutters for Northern Exposed Windows

Think both seasonal & situational. The location of windows along with time of year will determine the placement and utilization of window coverings. In the winter, you should focus on eliminating or reducing northern exposure. North facing windows should be blocked as much as possible, offering protection from the effects of the cold winter winds.

Strategically controlling entering & escaping air

Air movement dries the air, reducing humidity and making summer air feel cooler and winter air feels less harsh. By capturing and properly directing breezes you can circulate air naturally and provide for some ventilation of hot or stale air.

Take advantage of cool(er) summer breezes. Know when your breezes occur and from which direction they come from. Provide multiple flow corridors and minimize any breezeway barriers. 

Also, fans can reduce cooling costs by up to 40 percent. Ceiling fans should be spinning in reverse during the summer, pulling cool air upward and recirculating it throughout the space. However, be cautious with ventilation fans. Along with odors, they can also remove your conditioned air so use wisely and sparingly.

Capturing the sun’s winter heat

Thermal Mass

Thermal mass is a form of passive heating which takes advantage of solar radiation. Thermal mass consists of heat absorbing materials which provide a storage system for warmth (or sometimes coolness in the summer). Stone, brick, tile, concrete or even water can be used to absorb heat from a sunny window during the day and then release that trapped warmth later at night, providing you with some free heat for those long winter nights. 

Deflecting the sun’s summer heat

Windows- Curtains, Drapes, Blinds & Shutters for West, South & East Exposed Windows

Unlike in the winter, in the summer you will want to provide shade for your windows. Much like with the redirecting of winter wind, reducing summer heat is dependent upon the location of windows and time of year. During the summer months- west, south and east windows should be blocked in order to keep the sun’s radiant heat from entering into the living space. The opposite holds true in the winter- you want to allow the warmth from the sun’s rays inside.  

Creating Inexpensive Outdoor Buffer Zones with External Shading

Also consider external shading in the forms of shutters, awnings, tall shrubbery, vines, trellises or other shade plantings. For example, trees not only provide shade in the summer months but also absorb and retain daytime heat during the winter. If you are in an apartment or rental, think about large potted shrubs and trees which are portable so you can take with you when you’re ready to relocate. 

Other Simple Solutions 

• Zone your living and sleeping areas based on climate. Furniture can be placed to maximize summer breezes. Additionally, consider heating or cooling only the rooms that are in use. Space heaters and small a/c window units can be used strategically, as and where needed, rather than you having to unnecessarily heat and cool unused space. Also remember that smaller spaces are easier and less expensive to heat/cool.
• Schedule your activities based on the seasons. For example, when cooking, save your baking for the winter and remember that outdoor cooking is perfect for summer gatherings. Lessen the strain on your central a/c unit by using your clothes dryer during summer evenings when it is cooler, or if weather permits, use a clothes line. Turn the heated dry cycle off, open the dishwasher door and let your dishes air dry.
• Buy energy efficient appliances, keep them well-maintained and free of dust and debris, and change HVAC filters monthly.
• Invest in solar powered (or even water powered) gadgets- phone chargers, outdoor lighting, backpacks and alarm clocks.
• If you are in an area that allows you to choose between electric companies and plan options, be sure you select a plan with no minimum usage fee. Otherwise, much of your hard earned savings could just end up being offset by fees. Also, be aware of the difference between fixed rates and variable rates. Variable rates are often quoted much lower than fixed, but as the name implies, these rates fluctuate, and not necessarily to your advantage. Be careful with variable electric rates.  

Bottom Line- It takes some energy to save some energy, but a little effort on your part, along with slight lifestyle adjustments, can save you money in big ways. The great thing is you don’t have to do all of these things all at once. Just pick somewhere to start and keep an eye on those utility bills!