Did you know that 62% of Worcester residents are renters? (American Community Survey, 2022) Just because you rent your home doesn’t mean you can’t take energy saving measures to keep your home comfortable and your energy costs down. Let's dive into some practical tips that will have you feeling cozy and will help reduce costs this winter in no time.
Renter-Friendly Energy Efficiency Tips
Here are three essential energy efficiency tips:
- Insulate your home or apartment:
- Affix a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet or film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame.
- Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty.
- Ask your landlord about taking advantage of the MassSave’s Weatherization Program which will weatherize your home for 75-100% off! Sign up for a home energy assessment to get started.
- Replace appliances like window ACs, humidifiers, light bulbs, and air purifiers with energy efficient models when you need to replace them.
- Explore Mass Save’s wide library of residential rebates and incentives.
- Depending on your income, you may even be eligible for no-cost appliance replacements through Mass Save.
- Check your heating system's heat pump or furnace air filters monthly. If the filter looks dirty, change it, or clean it. At a minimum, change the filter every three months. Dirty filters slow down airflow and make the system work harder and waste energy.
Don’t know where to start?
Contact the city’s Energy Advocate! The advocate was hired by the city to help residents navigate how to increase their homes energy efficiency through energy assessments, utilizing MassSave’s resources and incentives, and much more. You can reach the advocate at: energyadvice@worcesterma.gov
Learn more about our Smart Energy Advice program at worcesterma.gov/energyadvice
Sources: American Community Survey 2022 Worcester, MA - Profile data - Census Reporter