By Ashley Paskill

One of the major differences between living in an apartment versus living in a dorm is having to pay for utilities. You do not have to pay for utilities in a dorm room, but you do when you live in an apartment, and you may find that they are higher than you anticipated. If you are looking to keep your utility bills low when switching to an apartment or you want to lower your current bill, there are things you can do to help your budget out.

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Lights out and unplug

When you leave a room, turn off the lights. It may seem super simple, but so many forget, and leaving the lights on can run your electricity bill up quickly. Even if you are only leaving the room for a short period of time and will return, even turning them off for a short time can be super helpful. Before leaving your apartment for work or class, be sure that all lights are off, especially if your roommates are not around or you live alone.

Similarly, unplug any electronics that are not being used. It may seem more convenient to leave them plugged in, but they may be using electricity, even when they are turned off. This goes for items such as phone and laptop chargers and toasters. Unplugging and turning off lights will help reduce energy waste, saving you money as well as helping to preserve the planet.

Be energy-efficient

You have more freedom in an apartment than you do in your dorm, so you have more control over things like lightbulbs and certain appliances. Check to make sure these things are energy efficient. If you are unsure whether or not you can install your own appliances, check with your landlord. Installing these items will help you save money, and if you leave them for the next tenants, they will continue to help save money. Using energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs can also help the environment, so it is a win-win situation.

Do your research

One of the most important things you can do is do your research and be in the know. Call your provider and see if someone can come out to see where you are using the most power. Once you know this information, you can make the changes to save power and money. Depending on where your apartment is, you may even be able to compare which company you use for power and utilities. However, make sure you check with your landlord to be sure they do not require you to use a certain company or laws that restrict usage to the official city power plant. It does not hurt to ask and be sure. You may also want to ask if you can get a discounted rate, especially as a college student.

Washing machine tips

You may not have the power to choose what brand your washing machine is, but you can lower your utility rates by washing your clothes in cold water. This has the potential to cut your per-load energy usage by at least half. Also, only do laundry if you have a full load. This will help you ensure that you are getting the most out of using the appliance and not wasting power, and thus money. Air dry your clothes if possible.

In the bathroom

One place that often gets overlooked for energy usage is the bathroom. If part of your utility bill includes water, this is a room that can help you reduce costs. Take showers instead of baths, as baths use more water. Use aerating or low-flow showerheads and faucets, and fix any leaky faucets or showerheads. Check for leaks in your toilet and avoid running the faucet while brushing your teeth or washing your face in order to reduce the water you use.

Heating and cooling

Turn up/down the thermostat when you leave your apartment or you are asleep. If you are not there, the temperature of the apartment does not matter, and you will be under the covers when you are asleep. Keep your hot water heater between 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to replace furnace filters regularly, and be sure to ask your landlord if they pay for these filters. Check windows and doors for drafts to be sure that you are not working your heat and AC harder than necessary. Invest in a draft blocker and insulation to keep cold air out during the winter months.

Miscellaneous

Only run your dishwasher when it is full and air-dry your dishes. Let hot food sit out for about an hour before putting it in the fridge or freezer to make sure you do not waste energy having these appliances work extra hard to cool the food off. Use power strips where possible, and turn them off when not in use to save on electricity.

Utility costs can be one of the most costly expenses you have as a college student, but if you are careful and know where you are potentially wasting energy, you can fix this and help save some money.