There are many things renters can do to improve the energy efficiency of their apartment or house. Look below to find a list of changes that do not require landlord permission and a list that do require landlord permission. The potential yearly savings are also listed!

Landlord Permission Not Required:

No Cost Items

Turn off 2nd refrigerator— save $150-$250 a year
Turn off computer when not in use— save up to $120 a year
Set sleep mode on computer & monitor— save up to $100 a year
Turn off TV when not in use— save $25-$45 a year
Wash clothes in cold water— save up to $75 a year
Line dry clothes— save up to $200 a year
Dry multiple loads back-to-back while dryer is warm— save $5/yr
Separate quick drying from slow drying clothes— save up to $10/yr
Operate appliances during off-peak rates— save up to $220/yr
Close damper on fireplace when not in use— save $60-$75/yr, 4-5% annually
Don't pre-rinse dishes before putting in dishwasher— save $40/yr
Don't use "heated dry" setting on dishwasher— save $60/yr
Install radiator reflectors between radiators and walls— save up to $100/yr, up to 5% annually
Clean seals on refrigerator door— save $3-$5/yr, up to 2% annually
Clean coils in back of refrigerator— save $3-$10/yr, up to 4% annually
Turn down thermostat— save up to $300/yr, up to 20% annually
Turn off bathroom and kitchen fans when not needed— save up to $30/yr, up to 2% annually
Windows (Do all on list below)— save up to $100/yr, up to 5% annually
Latch windows securely
Close drapes or blinds on windows
Open drapes or blinds on sunny days

Low Cost Items

Replace incandescents with compact fluorescent lights— save $5-$10/bulb/yr
Replace incandescents with night lights— save $24/bulb/yr
Replace halogen torchiere with CFL torchiere— save $35/torchiere/yr
Turn off biggest phantom power users (vampires)— save up to $150/yr

Landlord Permission Required:

No Cost Items

Reduce hot water temperature on water heater to 120— save $20-$60/yr, 6-10% annually
Install storm windows if you have them

Low Cost Items

Seal air leaks: If you do all on list— save up to $300/yr, up to 20% annually
Seal openings into attic from pipes, vents, chimney
Seal attic hatch door— save up to $20/yr, 1-2% annually
Seal cracks, gaps in foundation— save up to $50/yr
Seal openings from basement into main floor
Seal around windows and doors
Insulate hot water pipes— save $10-$20/yr
Insulate hot water heater— save up to $50/yr, 4-9% annually
Install aerators on faucets— save $3-$5/aerator/yr
Install low flow showerheads— save $10-$40/yr, 3-6% annually
Insulate attic hatch door— save up to $20/yr, 1-2% annually
Weatherstrip and door sweeps on doors— save $15-$20/yr
Seal and insulate heating ducts— save $75-$200/yr, 5-15% annually
Install foam gaskets on electrical outlets— save up to $15/yr
Change furnace filters regularly— save up to $100/yr, up to 5% annually
Insulate water pipes in homes with hot water heating systems— save up to $100/yr, up to 5% annually
Install water heater timer/use only with off peak rates— save up to $150/yr, up to 30% annually
Seal off unused or little-used rooms— save up to $200/yr, up to 10% annually
Install programmable thermostat— save up to $300/yr, up to 20% annually
Windows: Do all on list— save up to $150/yr, up to 10% annually
Repair broken windows
Install plastic sheeting on the interiors of single pane windows