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Vampires, Cheat Codes and Why You Should Talk to Your Landlord

Yes. 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. In short, it’s a give-and-take existence. But money-wise, you should forget the outdated myths on renting. In fact, there’s a certain financial brilliance to the lease. Studies show that if you’re planning to stay for less than 3 years, renting isn’t just a choice, it’s the wiser fiscal move.

So, take pride in your place, your finances and your energy. Even if you have to deal with an upstairs neighbor who, judging by the noise, has taken up either interpretive dance involving wooden clogs or juggling bowling balls.

Now that we’ve shot down the misconception about renters, let’s aim our sites 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.

Whether you’re in a light-filled loft in Baltimore or a garden apartment in Columbia, 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.

1
The Low-Hanging Fruit (Literally)

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 ghost power and keep your money in your pocket.

A filter habit: Changing your filters regularly is one of the simplest ways to ensure your HVAC system isn’t working overtime. This low-cost habit protects your indoor air quality and prevents the motor from burning excess electricity.

2
The Climate Master

You might not be able to replace the HVAC system, but you can control how its work is preserved.

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% on your energy bill. It’s a change you won’t feel in your bones, but you will see in your bank account.

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3
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 Maryland’s growing EV charging infrastructure or public transit options. Reducing your transportation energy is the final piece of the Efficient Home puzzle.

4
The BGE Advantage

The Quick Home Energy Check-up: This is the ultimate renter’s cheat code. BGE will send a certified contractor to your home to identify exactly where you are losing money. The best part? They often 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 A/C or furnace can spike your bill. BGE offers HVAC Tune-ups that ensure the system is running at peak efficiency, keeping your costs predictable and your home comfortable. Talking to your landlord about this will make things go smoothly and you’ll earn some points by being proactive and caring about the property.

Air filter maintenance: One of the simplest ways to lower energy use is to ensure your HVAC system isn’t working overtime. Regularly changing your air filters is a low-cost habit that protects your indoor air quality and keeps the motor from burning excess electricity.

Dehumidifier rebates: Maryland summers are notoriously humid. If you’re running a portable dehumidifier to keep your basement or apartment dry, you can get instant rebates at Lowe’s and The Home Depot. Also check BGE’s website for rebates on ENERGY STAR^® certified models, which use significantly less power than standard units.

The My Account dashboard: Knowledge is power. By logging into your BGE My Account, you can see real data on your energy usage. You can set up High Usage Alerts to notify you if your consumption spikes, allowing you to adjust your habits before the bill arrives.

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5
The Conversation

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

If your rental includes aging appliances, talk to your landlord about how BGE can help. It’s much easier to convince a property owner to upgrade to a new smart thermostat when said property owner can get up to a $100 rebate for the right model.

Next time you speak with your property manager, mention BGE’s energy efficiency programs. Upgrades like rebates on new high-efficiency appliances don’t just lower your bills—they increase property value and decrease maintenance calls. It’s the ultimate win-win.