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Renter Rangers

When looking for a rental house / apartment you should consider the following items that can affect your utility bill.

Do your Homework and ask questions:

For all rental properties:

• Call GRU customer service at 352-334-3434 to obtain the historic energy usage of the apartment(s) you are considering. You will need to have the exact address of the rental property you are considering.
• Ask about maintenance procedures, especially for the heating and air conditioning system. Does the landlord change the filter on a monthly basis, or is it your responsibility?
• Does the home come with curtains or blinds for the windows, especially the east and west-facing windows? Covering windows can lower both summer and winter usage by reducing the heat transfer through the glass. This is especially true of older single-paned windows.
• Are there leaks? Close the exterior doors and windows; look for light around the doors, leaks around sliding glass doors, cracked or non-functioning windows.
• Is the heating system a heat pump?
  
  Check the thermostat for an "Emergency Heat" setting. This means that the apartment has a heat pump. Heat pumps are a more efficient heating method than electric strip heaters, but you need to learn how to operate them correctly.
• Can you look in the attic? You will want to check the insulation levels and the ductwork for leaks. Do not store items atop the insulation or the ductwork in the attic, you can damage the duct system and/or compress the insulation reducing its efficiency.
• Is the refrigerator in good condition? Look at the seals to be sure that the doors close and seal properly.
• Gaskets on your refrigerator /freezer door can deteriorate over time. Gaskets that do not seal properly can waste a lot of energy by allowing the cold air to leak out. To check the gasket, place a piece of paper between the door and the refrigerator as you close it. If you can move the paper freely from the door, the gasket is not sealing tightly. Another method is to put a flashlight inside the refrigerator to check for leaks. If you can see light around the door gasket, it is not sealing properly.

For Apartment Complexes

• Read your lease, or ask the complex staff, about your utility allowance. Some apartment complexes offer an "all inclusive" lease that includes utility bills, but the amount they will pay is limited.
• The location of the apartment in the building can affect your utility bills.
• The units most likely to have higher utility bills are:
• Units on the southwest corner, located on the top floor
• Units with most of their windows facing East or West, particularly West-facing windows
• The units most likely to have lower utility bills are:
• Units located in the center of the building, between two other apartments
• Heavily shaded units

Once you're moved in, make sure to do the following things to save energy

• Learn what you have and how to use your appliances efficiently. If you have the manuals for the appliances read them to learn how to operate the appliance correctly.
• Be sure that the air filter for the air conditioning system is checked / changed monthly, whether it is your responsibility or the responsibility of maintenance.
• Check the refrigerators coils located behind or under the unit every six months and make sure they are free of dust & lint. Dirty coils will cause the refrigerator to run longer increasing your electric use.
• Water use can be a large part of your bill so notify the landlord of leaking or dripping faucets, running toilets or broken pipes immediately. This will save you on your utility bill and save the owner on repair costs.
• If you are going to be gone for longer than 3 hours, turn the air conditioner up or off in the summer and turn the heater down or off in the winter.
• Never use your oven to heat your home. It is more efficient and safer to run your heating system or use a small space heater.

Check Conservation tips for additional ways to lower your bill.

Check Security Concerns for renters at the Gainesville Police Department page.