Energy-Saving Apartment Living Tips

Living the Hollywood lifestyle means comfort, convenience, and luxury. However, these concepts can go hand in hand with a commitment to a greener, healthier environment. When you take steps to save energy in your apartment home, you’ll enjoy numerous benefits that include lower monthly utility bills. There are so many ways to save energy at home without sacrificing your stylish or comfortable lifestyle; the following tips are just the beginning:

Unplug It

Are your outlets full to bursting with chargers, power cords, and hairstyling implements? Many electronics draw power even when they are turned off, costing you more on your monthly bills and needlessly wasting energy. One of the simplest ways to start saving energy in your apartment home is to unplug any item that’s not currently in use. (Keeping unused items unplugged and stored in cabinets or drawers will also reduce clutter and enhance the appearance of your apartment!) If you have a media center that utilizes a number of electronics at once, plug everything into a single power strip that features an on/off function. When you’re ready for some entertainment, you can turn everything on at once without a hassle.

Switch It

Lighting enhances the appeal and usability of your apartment—it’s also another area of your home where you can save money and reduce your energy consumption. Start by turning off the lights when you leave a room. This small change can add up to big energy savings over time. Next, consider your apartment lighting options: incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs, and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are a few of the most popular choices. Incandescent bulbs are the cheapest lighting solution, but are also the least energy efficient. LEDs and CFLs may cost slightly more, but they will make up for the difference and more with the energy savings they deliver. These lighting options also last many times longer than incandescent bulbs, reducing the number of bulbs you’ll have to buy over the long term.

Close It

Window treatments dress up your windows and complement your apartment’s décor, giving your home a finished and cohesive look. Curtains, blinds, and drapes also serve another purpose by insulating your apartment to prevent heating and cooling that your HVAC system must then offset. During the day, you can reduce incident solar heating by keeping the drapes or blinds closed in rooms that receive direct sunlight. At night, cover your windows to provide added insulation and prevent heat exchange with outdoor air. Preventing temperature changes caused by heat exchange and solar heating will reduce the amount of time you need to run your heater or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. You’ll use less energy to maintain indoor comfort while saving money on your utility bills.

Are you ready live and breathe a luxurious—and eco-friendly—Hollywood lifestyle? Vida Hollywood is now leasing one- and two-bedroom apartments in our controlled gated entry apartment community. You can find out more about our resort-style features and amenities when you visit us on the web, where you can explore the benefits of life in a luxury apartment home just minutes from Hollywood, Highland Center, and some of the hottest local dining, shopping, and entertainment.