Easy energy-saving tips for renters

You don’t need to own your home to take control of your energy use. With a few simple changes, renters can cut energy costs and stay comfortable all year long — no renovations required. From small behavior shifts to clever low-cost upgrades, here are renter-friendly tips for saving energy in both summer and winter.

Summer energy-saving tips for renters

When the weather heats up, your energy bill doesn’t have to. Try these renter-tested ideas to stay cool and save money.

1. Don’t cool unused rooms. If you’re using fans or portable air conditioners, make sure they’re off when no one’s in the room. Close doors to unused spaces to help the cool air stay where it matters most.

2. Block the sun. Sunlight streaming through windows can really heat things up. Keep blinds, curtains or shades closed during the hottest part of the day — especially on south- and west-facing windows.

3. Adjust your thermostat. If you have control of your thermostat, set it to 75–78 degrees to balance comfort and savings. Even a small shift of 2 degrees can make a difference.

4. Cook cool. Skip the oven when it’s hot out. Try no-cook meals, use the microwave or air fryer, or cook outside to avoid heating your home with appliances.

Winter energy-saving tips (Fabian’s Favorite Four)

Lots of PGE renters have been sharing what’s working for them in colder months. These four tips from Fabian, a longtime renter and energy saver, are some of our favorites.

1. Insulate your windows. Drafty windows? Add a window insulation kit — it’s renter friendly, affordable and effective. Check out the how-to video above for a quick tutorial.

2. Wash with cold water. Heating water takes a lot of energy. Using cold settings for laundry can help reduce your bill and it’s gentler on clothes, too.

3. Unplug energy vampires. Use a wattage meter to find out which devices are silently using power, even when off. Chargers, game consoles and appliances with standby lights are common culprits. You can check out a “Kill a Watt” wattage meter at many libraries.

4. Track your use with the PGE app. The PGE mobile app makes it easy to keep an eye on your energy use and spot changes. It’s a free way to better understand your home’s patterns and spot ways to save.

Real tips from PGE renters

We asked, and you delivered some great ideas! Here’s how real PGE renters are cutting back on energy use in creative, budget-friendly ways:

Looking for more low- or no-cost ideas? Check out our energy-saving tips.

Have a favorite tip we missed? Let us know at questions@portlandgeneral.com — we’d love to hear how you’re making energy savings work in your space.