Do-it-yourself
Energy Use Reduction
Learn about easy and impactful ways to lower energy usage and decrease energy expenses, all without relying on external programs.
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*Please consider your own health needs before making any of these changes.
Thermostat Control
Use a programmable thermostat to lower winter heating settings (55-60°F) while away or sleeping, and open blinds on sunny winter days to naturally warm your home.
Cooling Efficiency
If you have air conditioning, raise the summer cooling setpoint to 75 or 80 degrees; use fans to keep the air moving and make you feel more comfortable.
Closing Windows and Curtains in Hot Weather
During hot weather, keep the windows, curtains, and blinds closed when the sun is shining. Consider blackout curtains. Windows can let in up to 30% of unwanted heat, so closing curtains and blinds can help block the sun's rays and prevent your room from heating up. According to the Department of Energy, curtains can reduce heat gain from windows by up to 77%, which can lower your energy bills over time. Open the windows in the cooler hours of the evening and at night.
Draft Prevention
Use plastic window kits inside to cut down on drafts in cold weather. They will likely pay for themselves in a year with reduced energy costs. Towels under doors and around windows can help too.
Lighting Upgrades
Install LED light bulbs and turn off lights when they're not in use to save on electricity.
Hot Water Management
Avoid running hot water continuously while doing dishes, washing up, brushing teeth, or shaving.
Water Saving
Install low-flow showerheads if approved by your landlord to reduce hot water consumption.
Cold-Water Laundry
Wash clothes in cold water to clean effectively and save energy used for heating water.
Turn Off Electronics
Use smart power strips to turn off electronics when not in use (many plugged-in appliances use energy even when off)
Contact Mass Save
Mass Save offers Home Energy Assessments to identify energy-saving opportunities and help renters access rebates and incentives. If you live in a 1-4 unit home, you can ask Mass Save for a free assessment without needing to involve your landlord. (Renters in 5+ unit homes will need to ask their landlord.) When you have a free assessment, Mass Save can also supply you with free LED bulbs and free low-flow showerheads.
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Learn more about Mass Save's home energy assessments here.
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Learn more about Mass Save's programs and information for renters here.
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Electric
Everything
As a renter, even if your landlord isn’t able to change appliances and energy systems in your apartment, there are still steps you can take to reduce your energy bills and emissions.
Air-Source Heat Pumps for Apartments
If you are thinking about purchasing window air conditioners, consider a micro heat pump instead. They are able to provide both cooling in the hot months and heating during cold weather. And you can take them with you if you move.
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Can renters get tax credits for these heat pumps?
Yes! The 25C tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act provides a capped 30 percent tax credit for heat pumps of up to $2,000 per year. Renters may be specifically interested in the 25C credit for portable, window-unit heat pumps once the Consortium for Energy Efficiency releases relevant efficiency standards (expected by 2024). Also, renters may take qualifying equipment with them when they move. Mass Save has developed a set of frequently asked questions that you can access here.
Electric Cooking
Consider using countertop electrical cooking appliances instead of your gas stove. Maybe you have or can borrow a crockpot, an instapot, an electric tea kettle, microwave or toaster oven. Consider a portable induction cooktop. You can borrow a kit from the Brookline Library to “check out” induction cooking. Every time you use an electrical appliance instead of your gas stove, you can reduce your emissions as well as the negative health impacts of gas cooking.
Use This Guide to Learn More
How-To Guide #9
Developed by the Electrify Brookline team (Climate Action Brookline, Mothers Out Front Brookline, and the Town's Zero Emissions Advisory Board), How-To Guide #9 presents opportunities for renters in Brookline to save energy, save money, and improve home comfort. You can find this and other Guides on electrifybrookline.org