Canopyoutlines the most useful ways that tenants can improve the energy efficiency intheir rental property.As a renter, you have a responsibility to maintain your rental property for the duration of your tenancy. And, as the temperature drops and the days become shorter, you will need to consider how you can keep yourself – and the property – warm while saving energy.

The average household spends around £1,250 a year on heating and power, according to industry regulator Ofgem – making energy one of the biggest yearly costs. Therefore, it’s worth thinking about how you can make your rental property more energy efficient.

Taking a few simple measures, such as switching to a lower washing machine setting or turning your heating down can have a significant impact on annual bills. The sooner you can start making changes, the greater your savings will be.

With this in mind, here at Canopy we present three ways to make your rental home more energy efficient and, in turn, more environmentally friendly.

Draught-proof your property

A cold drought is fairly common in homes, which can make it tempting to turn the heating on. However, simple solutions, such as investing in draught excluders or draught-proofing kits can help to prevent this and shave money off your monthly energy bills.

This includes sealing cracks in floors and skirting boards, lining your letterbox or blocking an unused chimney. You could also buy stick-on insulation to run down the sides of draughty doors and windows.

Alternatively, hanging thicker curtains over the windows will help to keep the heat in while making your rental home feel cosier.

Be smart with water

While we all like to indulge in a relaxing bath, the truth is that they can waste a lot of water, making showers the greener option. But how green is your daily wash?

Spending 20 minutes soaping yourself under a stream of scalding water means you’re using more energy than you think.

To combat this, consider fitting a water-saving showerhead to cut back on the amount of water and energy you use. You could even consider shaving a few minutes off ever shower – something which could also save you some cash.

Watch your energy consumption

Lastly, taking small steps to switch off lights or TVs when you leave the room can make all the difference to your energy usage.

It’s also a good idea to keep a watchful eye on your consumption levels, which can help you decide if and when you have to change the way you use energy. For instance, installing a smart meter will allow you to track your consumption with accurate and real time information.

By taking the above tips into consideration, you can save on energy bills and minimise the amount of energy you use in the home. If you’re still unsure, though, your landlord or letting agent can provide you with useful advice.

Here at Canopy, we use smart technology to simplify the rental process so you can say goodbye to upfront cash deposits. Our RentPassport, for instance, provides instant referencing and information as and when your references have been approved, while our RentTracking gives renters the ability to secure the best deals on credit.

For more information about our services, contact us on: 020 3966 3850 or email us at customerservice@canopy.rent.

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