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Show Saving energy in apartments By DENNIS HINKAMP Consumer Information Writer Utah State University Most energy conservation information infor-mation is designed for home owners even though increasing numbers of people are renting. Also many renters develop a short-timer mentality men-tality and don't care much about energy savings. However, utility bills do add up quickly and a general gen-eral conservation awareness attitude is healthy for renters as well as owners. These are some guidelines for shopping for energy efficient rental housing provided by Leona Hawks, extension housing and interiors specialist in the Utah State University Univer-sity College of Family Life: Checking utility records: Often you can just ask the former resident or a neighbor what the approximate utility costs are. If you want exact figures you need to get written permission per-mission from the previous occupant, occu-pant, owner or apartment manager and go to the utility companies for past records. These records are a good guideline, but realize that your lifestyle and energy use may differ greatly from previous tenants. Heating and cooling: These are the biggest users of energy. Ask this questions: Is there a central heating system for the apartment? Do you have your own thermostat? Is it gas or electric? In most areas of Utah, natural gas is still the less expensive heat source, and it is more efficient to have your own thermostat so you can control the temperature. Hot water: Ask the same questions ques-tions about hot water as you would heating and cooling. Gas is gen erally cheaper, and you can save money if you are able to adjust your water heater to fit your own needs. Windows and doors: These add beauty and distinctiveness to apartments, but they are also the areas of biggest heat and cooling loss. South facing windows can be an asset during Utah winters because they let in maximum warming warm-ing sunlight On the other hand, north nor-th facing windows can contribute to heat loss. Unshaded south and west facing windows can create overheating problems in the summer. Also look for double pane windows and storm windows for maximum insulation. Feel around windows and closed doors for drafts and ask the manager if these can be fixed if they are not air tight Assessing appliances: In general, the older the appliances, the less energy efficient they are. Studies by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers found about a 30 percent increase in efficiency between be-tween 1972 and 1984 model appliances. ap-pliances. Location: Like any real estate, in renting, location is everything. As gasoline prices rise, location also becomes an important price and energy conservation concern. Carefully reconsider the true value of $20 reduction in monthly rent if it requires you to drive twice as far to work. Also take into consideration neighborhood markets and access to public transportation when figuring your housing costs. |