Energy Efficiency for Rental Homes

If you are responsible for paying your utilities, it can significantly add to your monthly budget. Investigating energy details before you sign the lease can help you avoid wasting energy and money. Plus, an energy-efficient home is more comfortable. This guide will help you select an energy-efficient rental home and save energy once you move in.

Finding an Energy Efficient Rental

Check Historical Electric and Water Usage Data

When looking for a new place to live, make sure you ask your landlord what utilities you will be responsible for paying. You can get some idea of what your utility costs will be by checking the previous billing data. Keep in mind that each individual will have different consumption patterns. Your electric bills will be higher in the summer due to air conditioning. During the winter, either your electric or natural gas bills will increase, depending on your furnace type.
 

Have a question about your utilities? If so, contact: 

Safety First

Columbia rental property is required by the Rental Unit Conservation Law to be registered and inspected. Ask your potential landlord to see the Certificate of Compliance or contact the Office of Neighborhood Services at 573.817.5050 or Neighborhood@CoMo.gov

Heating and Cooling

Since apartments are smaller and share walls, ceilings and floors with neighbors, heating and cooling costs are generally lower than a house. In apartments, ground floor units tend to be cooler year round while top floor apartments tend to be warmer. Windows on the south side will allow your apartment to collect natural heat in winter. Windows on the west side can increase your air conditioning bills.

Keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer is the biggest part of your utility expenses. A heating and cooling system that is less than 10 years old is going to be more efficient.

Water Heaters

Water heating is normally the second-highest utility expense after heating and cooling. Water heaters use energy both in heating water and then in maintaining the temperature once it’s heated. Water heater efficiency is influenced by the age, insulation, temperature setting and location of the unit. 

Keeping the Outside Air Outside

Homes that are air sealed and well-insulated use less energy to heat and cool. If you are looking at renting an older home, inquire whether it has received any energy efficiency upgrades.

Appliances

Inquire about the age of major appliances such as the refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/dryer, room air-conditioners and stove. Energy Star rated or newer appliances will save energy and money. The refrigerator will probably be your top electric consuming appliance. Their efficiency is determined by age, cleanliness of cooling coils, functioning thermostat and a tight door gasket.

Questions to Consider Before Renting

  • Does the system look clean and well maintained? Inspect the units inside and outside.
  • Roommates? Not everyone has the same ideas about energy efficiency. To keep roommates on the same page, set up house rules about thermostat settings and other energy saving practices.
  • What is the type of heating system? Generally a heat pump is the most efficient. A natural gas furnace is going to be more economical than electric heat.
  • Who changes the filters? They must be changed every two to three months so the air flows properly and the system works efficiently.
  • Is there a programmable thermostat? It will automatically change the temperature when you are away which saves energy.
  • Does the rental have ceiling fans? They will help keep you cool and reduce air conditioning costs.
  • Where is the water heater located? 
  • How old is the unit? If it is in an unconditioned space, like a garage, or if it is an older unit, ask your landlord if an insulated jacket can be added.
  • Is the water heater or any of the faucets leaking? If so, make sure these are fixed before signing a lease.
  • Do you feel strong drafts or notice any holes or gaps around the doors and windows? Air loss can account for 50% of your annual heating and cooling costs. An easy fix to most of these is either caulk or spray foam insulation. These items should be addressed by the landlord before you sign the lease.
  • Ask the owner what levels of insulation are in the walls, ceiling and floor. Proper insulation will hold in your heated and cooled air which reduces your utility bills. Attic: 14″-16″ of insulation with an R-factor 38-50. Outside walls: Homes built after 1970 should have wall insulation. If it was built before then, ask if it has been added. Crawl space or rim joist: These areas should be insulated to R-10 and R-13 respectively.
  • Are the windows double-paned so they are more efficient? You can see the extra pane by the reflection, which will have a double image. If there are older single-paned windows, make sure the storm windows are in good condition and there are no obvious gaps around the sides or loose fitting windows. If window replacement is not possible, ask your landlord if caulking and sealing can be made a priority.

Energy Efficiency Tips

For more energy efficiency tips, take a look at the Energy Efficiency Tips page.