Hey, ready to save the world AND keep some extra money in your pocket? Yes, we're talking about energy efficient living! If you're just looking for a new rental property, it's important to also check how energy efficient your new place is. That may sound like a boring adult responsibility, but trust me, your wallet and the planet will thank you later.
In this blog we give you smart tips to check how energy efficient your new home is and what you can do yourself to get those energy costs down. And if you'd rather not spend hours scouring websites, we also have a handy solution for you. 😉
1. Check home energy label 🏷️
First things first: the energy label. This is actually a kind of "rating" for your home when it comes to energy efficiency. From A (very good) to G (I hope you like cold). Always ask the landlord about the energy label before renting a property. A house with a good label will save you a lot on your energy bill and is often better insulated.
A "good" label that will keep your costs from spiraling out of control is really only from C & B. Anything below that creates drafts, unnecessary heating and thus unnecessary costs!
Tip: Is the label not quite top notch? Don't quit right away, because there are simple things you can do to make the home more energy efficient (we'll get to that in a moment).
2. Double Glass = Double as Important 🪟
Have you ever stood by a window in winter and felt the cold coming right through the glass? Yep, that's so not exactly energy efficient. During the viewing, check for double-glazed (or even triple-glazed) windows. Double glazing helps tremendously with keeping heat in in the winter and cool in the summer. Less heating costs and less chatter - win-win!
3. Replace older appliances for energy-efficient versions 💡
You know them, those old refrigerators and washing machines that sound like they could take off at any moment. Those things are often huge energy guzzlers. If you end up in a furnished home, check the energy label of the appliances. Are they of the "village slurper" type? Ask if you can replace them with energy-efficient versions.
Don't feel like/money to buy a new refrigerator? Even small adjustments, such as installing a draft strip at doors, can keep heat in better and lower your energy bills.
Fun-fact: Replacing 6 light bulbs for 1 LED bulb can cause all these bulbs together, to consume less than 1 original light bulb!
4. Smart thermostat for smart savings 📲
Do you really want to take energy-efficient living a step further? Then consider using a smart thermostat. Such a thermostat, like the Google Nest, adapts to your lifestyle and ensures that your home is heated only when you are there. Bye bye unnecessary heating costs! These gadgets are often easy to install, and some landlords already have them installed. Just ask!
Fun Fact: With a smart thermostat, you can save up to 10% on your energy costs. Something you'll recoup in no time!🍃
5. Don't feel like checking everything yourself? We'll do it for you! 🎉
All of these checks may sound like a lot of work, and we get it: you have better things to do than walk through your potential rental property like an energy inspector. That's why we're here for you! With our smart software, you don't have to scour all the websites looking for that one energy-efficient dream home.
Just create an account, indicate what you find important (including energy efficiency, of course), and we'll do the searching for you. That way you'll soon be able to save nicely on your energy costs without all that effort 😉
Find your property now.
Conclusion: energy efficient living is not that difficult 🌿
Making your new home energy efficient really doesn't have to be rocket science. With a little attention and a few smart adjustments, you can save a lot on your energy bills while doing your part for the environment.
Want to make it even easier on yourself? Sign up with Woonmelder, and we will automatically search for homes that meet your needs, including energy efficiency. So all you have to do is enjoy your comfortable, economical home. ✨
