Trend Watch 5 Ways to Rent Smart

Vampires, Hacks and Why You Should Talk to Your Property Owner

As a renter, you may have experienced sharing a wall with a neighbor who “dabbles” in playing the trumpet at 11 at night. Also, as a renter, you’ve experienced the pure, unadulterated joy of never having to spend a Saturday morning at a hardware store debating the structural integrity of a sump pump.

But money-wise, you should forget the outdated myths about renting. In fact, there’s a certain financial brilliance to the lease. Studies show that if you’re planning to stay for less than three years, renting isn’t just a choice—it’s the wiser fiscal move.

Now that we’ve shot down the misconception about renting, let’s aim our sights at another myth—the belief that energy efficiency is a “homeowner thing.” Just because you don’t own the studs in the walls or the HVAC system, it doesn’t mean you’re destined to settle for drafty windows and massive energy use.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need a mortgage to have a high-performance home.

So, take pride in your place, your finances and your energy. Whether you’re in a light-filled loft in the West Loop or a garden apartment in Glenview, efficiency isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about lifestyle. With insights from the U.S. Department of Energy, here are a few tips that will help you leverage your rental for maximum comfort and minimum cost.

01 The Low-Hanging Fruit

Energy efficiency can start with a single trip to the hardware store.

The “vampire” hunt: Your home office and entertainment center are full of vampire loads—devices that pull power even when turned off. Use smart power strips to kill the vampire power and keep your money in your pocket.

A filter habit: When you change your filters regularly, it reduces the strain on your HVAC and lowers your bill. And if you change your own filter, you’ll look like a rock star renter. Then ask your property owner to reimburse you.

02 The Climate Master

You might not be able to replace the HVAC system, but you can control how to preserve it.

Windows as insulation: In the summer, keep your blinds closed on the sunny side of the apartment to block the “greenhouse effect.” In the winter, let the sun in during the day, but shut those curtains the moment the sun dips to trap the heat inside.

The 1-degree shift: Every degree you lower your thermostat in the winter (or raise in the summer) can save you up to 3% a month on your energy bill. It’s a change you won’t feel in your bones, but you will see in your bank account.

03 Go Electric

Efficiency doesn’t stop at your front door. If you’re a renter, you may have chosen your location for its proximity to work or play. You could consider Chicagoland’s growing EV charging infrastructure or electric public transit options. Reducing your transportation energy is the final piece of The Efficient Home puzzle.

04 The ComEd Advantage

Home Energy Savings: This is the perfect hack for energy savings. If you qualify, ComEd will send an Energy Advisor to your rental to identify where you may be losing energy. The best part? They may provide and install energy-saving items—like pipe insulation, efficient-flow showerheads and faucet aerators—at no additional cost to you.

HVAC Tune-ups: Even if you don’t own the unit, a struggling AC or furnace can spike your bill. It would be worth your while to get an HVAC tune-up to ensure the system is running at peak efficiency, keeping your costs predictable and your home comfortable. Talking to your property manager about this will make things go smoothly and you’ll earn some points by being proactive and caring about the property.

Dehumidifier rebates: Chicagoland summers are notoriously humid. A dehumidifier lowers the moisture in the air to prevent mold and mildew. Purchase an ENERGY STAR^® dehumidifier and apply for a ComEd rebate.

Also check ComEd.com/RenterRebates for rebates on a variety of ENERGY STAR^® appliances.

05 The Conversation

Don’t forget that this whole energy efficiency thing is a two-way street. Many property managers aren’t aware of the opportunities available to them.

For example, if you live in a building with three units or more, tell them to go to ComEd.com/MFES. They may be eligible to receive a free Multi-Family Energy Savings assessment on the building, which includes the installation of energy-saving products at no additional cost.

You can also mention the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program. The program provides offerings like rebates on new high-efficiency appliances that don’t just lower your bills—they increase property value and decrease maintenance calls for the owner.