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We know that living in your Valparaiso apartment rental can seem limiting when it comes to some of the bigger measures that can be taken to save money on your utilities, such as replacing a furnace or upgrading to energy star appliances, but there are a lot of small things that can be done that will add up to big savings over the course of your time with MJF Rentals.

#1. Save on Your Water Bill

Water conservation is an area where apartment and town home renters can save and be more environmentally friendly. While the water company cannot be avoided entirely, reducing the amount of water you use and waste each month can lower how much you pay each month. Taking shorter showers, shutting the water off while you brush your teeth, and not letting the water run while you’re washing dishes, lcan have a big impact on your water bill over time.

#2. Change Your Light Bulbs

LED lighting is extremely popular these days because of how energy efficient it actually is. LED light bulbs are more efficient than older traditional incandescent and even compact fluorescent bulbs. They are however more expensive to buy, but they do last much much longer. Often times you can find an incentived deal at Walmart, Target, and even Costco where the bulbs are discounted through an instant savings rebate, making them even cheaper than the less eco friendly alternatives. In addition to the life of the bulb, they use only 15% of the energy that traditional light bulbs require, which could amount to big savings in a very short time.

#3. Turn It Off

Whether it’s your porch light, a computer, ,or other electronic devices,  if you can turn it off, do it. There are inexpensive timers available that will turn your lights and devices on and off at specific times. There are even smart timers that work in conjunction with apps on your cell phone where you can control the most of the things in your home. Installing timers on certain lights and devices, such as your television, can be the perfect way to save money on your electric bill. If you aren’t in a room, make sure that all lights and gadgets are turned off or even unplugged. Set all other necessary gadgets such as computers to time out or go into sleep mode automatically after a set amount of  idle time.

#4. Use a Power Strip

Power strips are great for not only protecting your devices from electronic surge, but they’re ideal to shut off several gadgets all at once. By placing surge protecting power strips around your house, you not only protect your devices, but you make the task of turning them off much easier.

#5. Close the Curtain on High Heating and Cooling Costs

Decorating or covering your windows with quality insulated drapes and curtains, room darkening shades, or cellular blinds can dramatically reduce your energy bill. This will not only save on heating costs in the cooler months, it will also cut down on your energy bill in the summer months by reducing the sunlight and heat coming through your windows and thus lessening the need to run your air conditioning.

#6. Room Air Conditioning

If you live alone, or your family isn’t home often, instead of running expensive whole house (or apartment) air conditioning units, consider purchasing a room air conditioner.. In the past, portable AC units were large and cumbersome window units that only worked in certain types of windows, not to mention that they weren’t very efficient. Today, there are many affordable options available for portable room air conditioners that are attractive, efficient, and no longer require being installed into a window opening.

These portable air conditioning units can save you a lot of money compared to running the unit that is tied into your apartment’s heating and cooling system. This way you’re only cooling the room or rooms you use most.

#7. Lower Laundry Costs – Washer

If your MJF apartment rental in Valparaiso has an in-unit washer and dryer, this is another great place where you can save money. Wash your clothing in cold water whenever possible. Hot water accounts for the majority of the energy cost of operating a washing machine. Also, wash only full loads of laundry to maximize the amount of water and energy savings. This means your dryer has to work less often as well.

#8. Lower Laundry Costs – Dryer

When drying your clothes, don’t over-dry your clothes. Remove them promptly from the dryer when they’re dry, rather than allowing them to continue tumbling. Do not let them set and become wrinkled in the dryer when the cycle has completed. Always empty the lint trap in your dryer for both safety reasons and to ensure your dryer is operating as efficiently as possible.

#9. Turn Down Your Thermostat

Turning your thermostat down by just one degree can save you 3% on your heating bill during the winter months. If you lower the temperature in your home from 73 degrees to 70, you’ll be saving nearly 10% on your energy bill. With heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of your home’s energy bill, this can equate to a BIG savings for several months out of the year.

#10. Furniture Placement

Make sure furniture (including drapes and accessories) do not block heating and cooling registers. If vents and registers are covered, it makes it impossible for your heating and cooling system to operate efficiently.

APARTMENT RENTALS VALPARAISO, INDIANA 46383 46385