Spring Into Energy Savings

 

Download a printable copy of the March Resident Newsletter.

 

Understanding Seasonal Energy Use

As the weather begins to warm, it’s a great opportunity to give your energy bill a break. Nearly all apartment residents we serve rely on electricity to heat their apartments, and your HVAC system is almost always the largest contributor to energy use, especially when heating and cooling needs increase.

Fortunately, spring’s milder temperatures reduce the demand on your HVAC system. When the outdoor and indoor temperatures are closer in range, your system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain comfort, leading to lower electricity usage. While HVAC equipment may still be your biggest energy consumer, its impact on your bill is typically much lower during the spring than in the colder months we’re leaving behind.

The good news? Even small adjustments make a difference. Turning off your heat, opening windows for natural ventilation, and allowing fresh air to circulate can significantly reduce energy consumption—and costs.

Maximizing Seasonal Savings

  • Take advantage of mild spring temperatures by opening windows during cool mornings and evenings to naturally cool your space instead of using A/C. Let the mild temps do the work for you!  

  • Enjoy the nice weather! Spend more time outdoors, and you’ll naturally use less electricity inside for lighting, electronics, and appliances.

  • Dust buildup can reduce efficiency. Clean ceiling fan blades, air vents, and replace HVAC filters to keep your system running smoothly.

  • On warm, sunny days, close curtains or blinds to prevent excess heat. On cooler days, open them to let the sun naturally warm your space.


Prevent Surprise Water Charges: Know the Signs of a Toilet Leak

A leaky toilet has the potential to be an unnoticed but unforgiving culprit when it comes to your water bill. Even small leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water daily, significantly increasing your monthly expenses. 

What you can do:

  • Listen for constant running water sounds.

  • Perform a dye test: add a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet to the toilet tank, wait 30 minutes, and then check the bowl. If the water in the bowl turns color, it indicates a leak in the tank.  

  • It’s easy to jiggle the handle until the water running sound stops and hope that it magically fixed the problem, but that is not a productive solution. 

  • Report issues to property maintenance immediately to prevent unexpected high water bills.