Electricity bills are one of the major expenses for most households. According to an estimate, an average consumer spends almost 7 percent of their annual income on energy. This percentage may increase in the not so distant future given the fact that retail residency electricity rates have risen at the rate of 4 percent over the last 10 years, a trend that experts expect to continue for coming years. Whether you live in a luxurious Tuscany rental apartment or rent a modest one bhk flat in any city of the U.S., keeping a tab on your electricity bills must top your priorities. To help, the post lists some easy ways you can follow to check energy costs. Take a look.
1. Use Energy-efficient Lighting Options 
You can save upto $75 every year by replacing your Tuscany Apartment home’s five most used electrical bulbs with Energy-Star rated models. Some energy-efficient lighting options to consider are- CFLs, and LED bulbs. These bulbs last much longer as compared to conventional lighting and consume 25-80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.   2. Make Minor Adjustments to Your Rental 
Your HVAC system’s efficiency heavily depends on the effectiveness of its heat registers. Make sure they are unblocked at all times. Allow natural lighting and heat in your home, by keeping coverings of south facing windows opened during the day. If you have drafty doors, use a rolled up towel or a door snake to block cold air from entering your apartment. For better insulation, use window storm kits.
Related read - 5 Cost-effective Tips to Turn a Rental Apartment into a “Home”
3. Use Smart Power Strips 
America loses $ 19 billion every year due to energy vampires or electronic devices that when switched-off still consume substantial electricity by going into standby mode. These appliances account for almost 4-5 percent of energy used in an average home. Using power strips that turn-off electric devices connected to them after a set time period can help lower these costs.
4. Use Your Kitchen Appliances Effectively
If your dishwasher uses a heated dry method to prevent water spots from accumulating on the dishes, disable it. Instead use a rinsing agent that coat the dishes making it difficult for water to stick to the surface. To heat water, use your microwave instead of stove. For even heating, match the burner to the pan. 
Epilogue 
Following these simple yet effective and inexpensive steps can help you cut down on your energy costs. Clean the coils of your refrigerators and other appliances regularly. Adjust your water heater (if your apartment has one). Talk to your landlord about energy-efficient measures such as wrapping pipes, and installing insulation.