Top Energy-Saving Tips for Tenants

Save Electricity, Save Money 

At UR HOUSE REALTY, we understand that tenants in Taiwan and beyond are increasingly looking for smart, sustainable ways to manage their living expenses—especially when it comes to electricity. Whether you're renting a serviced apartment or a furnished home, these energy-saving tips for tenants will help you lower your monthly power bills without requiring any major property changes.

Below are our expert-recommended strategies to reduce energy consumption, perfectly suited for rental living.

1. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting

Lighting is one of the easiest areas to cut down energy use in a rental home.
✅ Replace incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs—they use up to 80% less electricity.
✅ Use natural sunlight during the day by keeping windows unobstructed.
✅ Turn off lights when not in use to avoid unnecessary energy waste.

Tip: Use plug-in motion-sensor lights in entryways or closets to save power automatically.

2. Unplug Devices to Prevent Standby Energy Loss

Even when turned off, many devices still draw power.
✅ Unplug kitchen appliances, chargers, and TVs when idle.
✅ Use a power strip to control multiple devices with a single switch.
✅ Avoid leaving laptops and game consoles in sleep mode overnight.

Keywords to Remember: standby power, energy-saving habits, reduce electricity bill

3. Run Appliances Efficiently

Efficient appliance use makes a big difference in your monthly electricity consumption.
✅ Only run washing machines or dishwashers when fully loaded.
✅ Wash clothes using cold water whenever possible.
✅ Air-dry laundry instead of using the dryer.
✅ Cook with lids on pots to retain heat and reduce cooking time.

4. Manage Air Conditioning and Heating Wisely

Cooling and heating are often the biggest electricity costs in rental apartments.
✅ Set your air conditioner to 26°C in summer and your heater to 20°C in winter.
✅ Use fans to improve airflow and reduce AC use.
✅ Keep windows and doors closed when systems are on to avoid energy loss.

Tip: Ask your landlord if the AC unit is inverter-based for better energy efficiency.

5. Reduce Phantom Power at Night

Even when you’re not actively using devices, they might still be drawing power.
✅ Activate energy-saving modes on your laptop, TV, and smart devices.
✅ Turn off Wi-Fi routers overnight if not in use.
✅ Use timers or smart plugs for scheduled shutdowns.

6. Save on Water Heating

Hot water accounts for a major portion of home energy use.
✅ Take shorter showers and reduce water heater temperatures to 50–55°C.
✅ Switch to cold or warm water for laundry.
✅ Use a low-flow showerhead (landlord-permitting) to reduce hot water usage.

7. Add Removable Insulation to Boost Efficiency

As a tenant, you can still upgrade your space without violating your lease.
✅ Use draft stoppers under doors and around windows.
✅ Hang thermal curtains to retain heat during cooler months.
✅ Block direct sunlight in summer to keep indoor spaces cool naturally.