When you’re looking at Renting an apartment there are many things you can’t change, but there are some things you do have control over when you’re looking at renting an apartment. The location is not only important when looking at a place, but it is critical when you are thinking about living green and how it relates to your lifestyle. Make a note how close the apartment you’re looking at is to mass transit, and how far it is to those places you routinely go to like parks, fine dining, shops, supermarket and banks. Can you walk to places? You can often go on websites and it will give you the walking score. The higher the number the better the score is for walking. Are there bike paths? and are they well maintained, and are they safe? You can also find out what the bike score is for an area as well.
Now that your in the apartment notice how much light the unit gets. A unit that gets great natural light will mean you will be using less energy. It will not only help you on lighting the place up but could also help keep the apartment warm during the cooler months. Everyone has to eventually turn on the lights. Its best to put the lights on a timer it will help you from a safety standpoint, but will help your electric bill. Look at your light bulbs and switch out incandescent lights for fluorescent. They use less energy and last twice as long. If you can talk to your landlord and see if they can install low flush toilets and low flow shower heads. It will not only be environmentally friendly by using less water, your landlord will see lower water usage and lower bills in the long run. What landlord doesn’t like to save some money?
Painting if you want to paint first you should speak to your landlord and after you have been given the green light to paint pick a paint company with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) your local hardware store or home depot should be able to suggest a paint that is a bit more environmentally friendly.
Rent an apartment where you will use all the space. If you rent a place to big and your paying for the heating bill you will notice a room where you use every room is more efficient than a place that isn’t be used. Talk to your landlord about installing a programmable thermostat that will help keep your bills lower and will use energy more efficiently. When you’re looking at apartments try to find a place that has energy star appliances. Many times they will have a star on them. If they don’t have the star, but look new ask your landlord how old and if they are energy efficient. Look for a building that has recycling area available.
Take a minute, and look at the windows in the unit you’re thinking about living in. Put your hand near the window, and see if you feel cold air. If you do you might want to weatherstrip to seal air leaks around doors and windows. Make sure windows are Double Paned or make sure the landlord has storm windows that can be installed. Lastly, if you notice faucets, shower heads that leak bring it to your landlord attention so they can be tightened up. The dripping is not only annoying if you can hear it, but can increase your water bill if not addressed. Some landlords are more open to making their homes greener and others are less likely to join in your cause. These solutions I mentioned are things most folks can do when renting. You can also talk with your utility company and see what other solutions they can offer you or your landlord.
If you’re in the market to find a rental or are a landlord, and you want me to know about your green apartment please feel free to contact me.
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