A recent survey on rent.com indicated that 10 percent of renters said that utilities are their biggest monthly expense. Heating and cooling your apartment are among the most expensive components of your utility bill, especially if you live in a region with extreme temperature changes. Luckily, making some adjustments in your home can help reduce your consumption on energy. Here are helpful tips to reduce energy consumption in your home during winter or summer season:

Adjusting the thermostat at night or when you aren’t home can also help you save on your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save about 10 percent a year on your heating bills by turning your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day. Close and seal off any vents in rooms that are not being used, such as storage rooms or guest bedrooms, to be more energy efficient. This will also direct the flow of air to the rooms that are used more often. You could save up to $200 a year simply by turning your thermostat down to 62 degrees and using a space heater in the room where you are spending most of your time.

Check your furnace periodically to confirm that your furnace is clean and free of any clogs. Cleaning your furnace and vents regularly will reduce energy consumption as it won’t have to run as hard or as often. Also check your furnace filter monthly and replace it when it gets dirty.  Getting a humidifier can help add moisture to the air in your home, preventing the air from becoming very dry. Moist air feels warmer and holds heat better so a humidifier can make you feel more comfortable, especially if you are running your thermostat on a lower temperature. House plants can also increase the humidity in your apartment.

Whether its summer or winter, it is helpful to educate yourself on ways to reduce energy consumption which will also help trim down your monthly expenses. Visit our blog for more tips and tricks for your apartment in Branson Missouri. If you haven’t found a place to call home yet, visit our prospective tenant page for more information.