Save money and energy with efficiency upgrades you can take with you when you move (Photo: Flickr)

For transient apartment dwellers, energy upgrades you can take with you are a great way to save energy and money, even if you plan on moving. Check out these 21 tips to find movable methods of apartment modification and low-cost improvements that will save you energy wherever you reside.

1. Low-Flow Showerhead
Remove your old showerhead and replace it with a low-flow model. When you move, pack up the low-flow showerhead and put the original showerhead back on. More about showerheads >>

2. Displace Water in Your Toilet Tank
Find a plastic bottle. Fill it with gravel. Place it in your toilet tank. You can leave this for the next tenant or take it with you.

3. Insulated Drapes/Blackout Curtains/Cellular Blinds
Covering your windows with insulated dressings such as blackout curtains or cellular blinds can significantly reduce your heating bills. These can be moved with you.

4. Draft Stoppers
Place easily movable draft stoppers in front of drafty doors and windows. They cost about ten bucks, or you can make them yourself. More about sealing your home >>

5. Plastic Window Insulation
Insulate your windows by covering them with plastic. You can remove the plastic when you leave the apartment.  More window efficiency tips >>

6. CFL Bulbs
CFLs can provide as much light as incandescent bulbs while saving you at least 30-60% on lighting costs. Also, be sure to turn off lights when not in use. More about CFLs >>

7. Use Fans Instead of A/C
Reduce air conditioning costs by using fans, keeping windows and doors shut and closing shades during the day. Be sure to turn fans off when you leave the room since they work by creating a wind chill effect to cool the body, and you need to be able to feel the breeze. More about heating and cooling >>

8. Pay Attention to Your Fridge
In an apartment building, 25% of your electric bill may go towards the fridge. Check the fridge’s seal, cover your food, and fill your fridge with water jugs to keep it full and colder.

9. Tinfoil + Radiator = Win
By lining the walls behind your radiators with tinfoil, you can increase the heat in your apartment with no extra electricity usage.

10. Surge Protectors/Power Bars
Phantom power is a problem, and it can be hard to remember to unplug every single appliance from the walls. With surge protectors and power bars, you only have to unplug one plug. Some power bars can stop phantom power with the flick of a switch.

11. Hot Water Bottle/Heating Pillow
Instead of turning up the thermostat, you can invest in an electric blanket, a hot water bottle, or a heating pillow. Each of these uses less energy than a central heating system.

12. Adjust the Thermostat
During the summer, a 5°F higher setting on your air conditioning thermostat will save about 10% on cooling costs. During the winter lowering the temperature 3 to 5°F can save you up to 20% on heating costs.

13. Repairs
One of the benefits of having a landlord is that they will fix things. Don’t let a slightly leaky faucet go un-repaired. On average, leaks account for 13% of home water usage. You can fix it yourself or get your landlord to do it.

14. Arrange Furniture Properly
Make sure your furniture isn’t blocking vents or baseboards.

15. Interior Storm Windows
You can put storm windows on the interior of your apartment windows. This can reduce heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%.

16. Air Conditioner Cover
If you can’t remove a window-mounted air conditioner. Put a cover on it to stop heat loss. These are removable, reusable and cheap.

17. Aerators
Put aerators on your faucets to save water. Remove them and take them with you to your next apartment.

18. Door Sweep
Your landlord may have been cutting corners when he or she installed your door. If it’s drafty, you can nix that draft by putting a door sweep on your door.

19. Raise the Humidity in the Winter
Humidity makes your apartment feel warmer. Set pans of water near the radiator to increase humidity. Green plants are also good humidifiers.

20. Power Down Your PCs
Put computers to sleep when not in use and make sure to turn them completely off at night, since even sleep modes continue to draw power. More home office tips >>

21. Dishwasher Efficiency
Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded. Fewer loads reduce energy and water use. Use the air-dry option instead of the heat-dry. Check and clean the dishwasher drain.

• Find more conservation tips for everyday savings
• Browse our energy tips for the home to maximize your savings