If you have children that are adults, they are still your babies, and you want what's best for them. Having said this, you want your family to have the best in life, even when it comes time for them to leave the nest. So, give your young adult the wisdom they need on how to create an energy-efficient apartment. Here are some tips to guide you.
Roofing Options
Many people may not realize it, but there are roofing options that are energy-efficient. Many people already know about having regular roof maintenance and installation in the attic area of the roof to preserve energy. However, there are energy-efficient roofing options as well, and they include the following:
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Energy-efficient roof shingles: Asphalt shingles are the most effective ones; however, you have protective coatings to prevent common damage and algae growth that occurs on these shingles. Shake shingles are also a good choice, but they require a lot of upkeep.
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A stone-coated steel roof: Contrary to what many think, a stone-coated steel roof is also a good choice, and it requires low maintenance. In fact, it has the following properties: Class 4 resistance to hail impact, a Class A fire rating, 100% recyclable, and lightweight at 1.4 lbs per sq ft.
Energy Star Appliances
Apartments and houses with the Energy Star label have an average of 20% improvement in energy efficiency. These residences are also verified to be at least 10% more energy-efficient than residences built according to code.
When a series of third-party inspections occur on apartments to ensure they perform as designed, you can expect that these apartments will have a lower utility bill. So, when you are in the market for an apartment, check for certified appliances, such as washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and ceiling fans, with the Energy Star-rated label.
Heating & Cooling Costs
When it comes to controlling heating and cooling costs, there are several things you can do. The following includes all the things you can do to ensure you have the lowest heating and cooling costs possible:
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Turning down the thermostat: Turning your thermostat down for eight hours a day by seven to 10 degrees can save you up to 10% on your cooling and heating bills annually.
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Window weatherstripping: Your heating system will be forced to work harder when it comes to windows, especially in an old building. However, using weatherstripping products will combat that. In fact, applying two weatherstripping material layers will make sure of the paying off of your efforts.
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Taking care of drafts in the outlets: Outlets can also let in drafts, like windows. So, to test whether your outlets have drafts, just put your hand in front of all the outlets on a cold day. If you feel any cold air, place little plastic plugs (gaskets) into the outlets to keep out the air. It is easy to plug gaskets in and take them out of the sockets.
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Unblocking radiators and air registers: If you have furniture in front of the cooling and heating vents/radiators or something on them, they will work harder, which will raise energy costs.
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Sealing the window AC unit: Even those air conditioning units use a plethora of energy. You can make sure your AC units don't do twice the damage by properly sealing the areas surrounding the AC unit.
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Keeping blinds down during the summer: The sun brings in tons of hot rays which negate the AC units' work. However, keeping the blinds down will stop that. This will also help preserve your HVAC system. On average, the length of time these systems last is at least 15 years.
Doing Laundry
Renters with an in-unit washer and dryer tend to make other standard apartment renters envious. The real convenience of having them is much better in many ways, except when it comes to the utility bill. Nevertheless, you can preserve energy when you wash clothes in cold water. Washing them in a hot or warm cycle often uses tons of energy.
Technology Usage
Many people don't realize that some energy is used when unpowered devices are plugged into outlets. Just because your toaster is not used, if it is plugged up, it is using energy. So, things like toasters, power strips, and phone chargers should be unplugged when not in use. While there are about 1.8 billion websites that operate daily worldwide, but that doesn't mean your laptop has to stay plugged in all the time!
These are valuable jewels of information you can give to your young adult when they move into their first apartment. And with it, you are giving your child the tools to help them thrive in an energy-efficient environment!
