If you rent is current housing crisis has you in a major pickle. A recent national survey of property agents by CoreLogic suggests property prices are going up even from what they are now thanks to the old demand and supply rule. While there is federal and state government assistance, it’s hard not to think you’re going to be renting long term and may never own a home. 

 Why does it matter to live in a home without gas? Well, it’s not only cheaper and healthier, but better for the environment. If you rent a property that has gas appliances you may be stuck with them until the next move. There are still actions you can take to minimise your energy bill, reduce internal air pollution and live more sustainably.

The following are a few simple tips collected from our research and include advice from the Climate Council and NSW Government that you can put in place to electrify, go green and see cheaper bills.

Check for draughts

Blocking draughts can prove to be one of the cheapest ways to improve your home’s comfort and reduce your power bills. The premise is to prevent heat loss in winter and warm air flowing inside in summer.

Solution:

• Use door snakes – twin door snakes are ideal (they simply slide under a door) and move with the door.
• Seal gaps and draughts around windows and doors, including around the architraves. 
• In older homes there are wall vents, be sure to cover them.
• Use temporary window film or bubble wrap to reduce heat transfer through windows.
• Install outside shading (plants have many benefits if practical) to reduce summer heat gains.

Source: Sustainability Victoria

Check for draughts

Heating/Cooling

While there is a strong case that fixed appliances for heating and cooling should be a responsibility of landlords, if you are required to provide your own portable appliances then it is worthwhile to choose an efficient, electric option.

Solution:

• Portable reverse cycle air conditioners are available, though they do require an outlet duct and water drain hose out of a window and typically do not perform to the same efficiency level as fixed reverse cycle air conditioners.
• You can lobby your landlord, informing them of the state government incentive that would assist in the cost of upgrading to an electric split system.
• Finally, renters choose their own energy retailers and should consider using the state government’s Energy Made Easy tool which is a live watch of both electricity and gas prices from retailers. Using it quarterly and ensuring you’ve got the best deals can save you a lot of money.

Know your appliances

When shopping for an appliance, the Energy Rating Calculator will give you an idea of running costs.

At home, unplug electronics or use a power strip to avoid ‘vampire’ usage as many appliances still draw power when switched off. Try alternatives – microwaves use less energy than an oven, laptops use less electricity than desktop computers. Air dry your washing instead of using the dryer. Get a low flow shower head.

Solution:

• Plug-in portable induction cooktops are widely available and relatively cheap priced from $50. While the overall gas amount used in cooking is smaller than heating and hot water, so the energy bill savings are likely to be low, plug-in induction is an option for ensuring peace of mind with no indoor gas cooking.
• LED globes are energy efficient, have a low environmental impact and come in a wide range of colour options. While they are more expensive than other globes, they have a longer lifespan.
• You may be eligible to have halogen downlights and outdoor floodlights replaced through our discounted lighting program. To access the offer, you need to contact an approved supplier who operates in your area. Check with your landlord to see if you can proceed with this offer.
• There are energy rebates to help eligible families, concession card holders and people using approved medical equipment to pay their energy bills.

Ask the landlord

• Is your landlord open to greening the home?
• A four or five-star reverse cycle air conditioner is far more efficient than an electric heater and is cheaper than gas. 
• Good roof insulation keeps a home warm in winter and cool in summer. 
• Solar panels can make a home highly attractive to renters and increase its resale value. There is a state government incentive that assists in covering the cost of solar panels for apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings.
• If the gas water system is old, you could suggest making use of the state government incentive to replace it with an electric one.

Next time … energy efficient locations

It can be competitive finding a rental property but, if possible, aim for a place that is cheaper to run. When viewing a property consider:

• Does the property have energy efficient appliances or solar panels?
• Are there north facing windows in the living areas? In winter living areas will be warmed by  sunlight?
• For heating, does it have reverse-cycle air conditioning? 
• Are there gaps around doors and windows?
• In summer, is it possible to open windows and doors for cool breezes flow through to reduce the need for air conditioning or fans?
• Are there security screens good enough to allow the doors to be safely left open through the night to naturally cool the home?