Before making changes, it helps to understand where your energy actually goes. In most apartments, a few major categories account for the bulk of energy use. Knowing this helps you focus efforts where they'll have the most impact.
Where Energy Goes
Heating and Cooling (Largest Share)
Climate control typically uses more energy than anything else, often accounting for half or more of total energy use. The exact amount varies by:
- Your local climate
- How well insulated your building is
- What temperature you maintain
- The efficiency of your heating/cooling system
Water Heating
Heating water for showers, dishes, and laundry is usually the second-largest energy user. Hot water use is driven by:
- Shower length and frequency
- Dishwashing habits
- Laundry water temperature
- Faucet efficiency
Appliances
Major appliances that use significant energy:
- Refrigerator: Runs constantly, so efficiency matters
- Washer/Dryer: Dryers especially use substantial energy
- Dishwasher: Moderate use, mostly for water heating
- Oven/Stove: Variable based on cooking habits
Lighting
Lighting was once a major energy user, but LED bulbs have dramatically reduced this. If you still have incandescent bulbs, switching to LED is one of the easiest improvements.
Electronics
TVs, computers, gaming systems, and other electronics use energy during operation and often when "off" (phantom loads). Individually small, but collectively significant.
Identifying Your Patterns
Track Your Usage
If you pay your own utilities, look at your bills over time:
- Compare seasonal patterns—when is usage highest?
- Note changes when your habits change
- Many utilities offer online tools showing usage patterns
Walk Through Your Space
Take inventory of what's using energy:
- What's plugged in?
- What has indicator lights (drawing power)?
- What runs constantly?
- What gets warm (generating wasted heat)?
Energy Monitors
Plug-in energy monitors show exactly how much individual devices use. They can reveal surprising energy hogs and help prioritize improvements.
Priority Areas
High Impact Changes
- Heating/cooling behavior and settings
- Draft sealing and window treatments
- Hot water habits
- Major appliance efficiency (when replacing)
Moderate Impact
- Lighting (if not already LED)
- Laundry habits
- Cooking efficiency
- Electronics management
Lower Impact (But Still Worth Doing)
- Unplugging chargers
- Phantom load reduction
- Small behavior changes
Apartment-Specific Factors
What You Control
- Your behavior and habits
- Thermostat settings (usually)
- Lighting choices
- Electronics and small appliances
- Temporary weatherization
What You May Not Control
- Type of heating/cooling system
- Insulation quality
- Window quality
- Major appliances (if landlord-provided)
- Water heater settings
Focus on what you can control. Even in buildings with older systems, behavior changes and renter-friendly improvements make a real difference.
The 80/20 Principle
Roughly 80% of your energy use likely comes from about 20% of activities and devices. Identify those major users first. Improving the big things has more impact than perfecting the small things.