Keeping Cozy and Saving Cash: Energy-Saving Tips for Sioux Falls Renters

Living in Sioux Falls means experiencing the full beauty of all four seasons. While we love our crisp autumn hikes at Great Falls Park and sunny summer afternoons, we all know that South Dakota weather can be tough on the monthly utility bill. Whether it’s a humid July day or a sub-zero January morning, energy costs can add up quickly.

As a renter, you might feel like your hands are tied because you can’t exactly install new windows or replace an old furnace. The good news? There are plenty of high-impact, low-cost ways to improve your home’s efficiency without making permanent changes. Here is our guide to keeping your home comfortable and your wallet full.

Master Your Thermostat Habits

In South Dakota, our HVAC systems work hard year-round. One of the simplest ways to save is to adjust your settings based on whether you are home or away. During the winter, try setting your thermostat to 68°F while you're awake and lowering it a few degrees while you sleep or work. In the summer, aiming for 78°F when you're home can significantly reduce cooling costs.

If your rental has a programmable thermostat, take five minutes to set a schedule. Adjusting the temperature by just 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day can save you up to 10% a year on heating and cooling.

Combat Drafts Like a Pro

Sioux Falls is known for its wind. If you feel a breeze coming through the windows or under the door, you’re essentially paying to heat the sidewalk. Since most leases don't allow for permanent caulking or weatherstripping, use "renter-friendly" solutions:

• Draft Stoppers: Use a weighted fabric tube (a "door snake") at the base of exterior doors.
• Window Film: During the winter, clear plastic shrink-wrap kits are a lifesaver. They create an airtight seal that acts as an extra pane of glass and peel off easily in the spring.
• Thermal Curtains: Heavy, insulated curtains can block heat from the sun in the summer and keep the warmth inside during the winter.

Optimize Your Lighting and Electronics

Lighting accounts for a decent chunk of your electric bill. One of the easiest swaps you can make is replacing old incandescent bulbs with LEDs. They use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer. (Just remember to keep the original bulbs in a box so you can swap them back in before you move out!)

Also, keep an eye out for "energy vampires." Many electronics, like gaming consoles, coffee makers, and phone chargers, pull power even when they are turned off. Plugging these into a power strip that you can flip off when not in use is a quick way to trim your bill.

Be Strategic with Appliances

Small changes in how you handle chores can lead to big savings:

• Laundry: Wash your clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward heating the water.
• Dishwashing: Only run the dishwasher when it’s completely full, and use the "air dry" setting instead of the heat dry to save energy.
• Water Heater: If you have access to your water heater, check if it's set to 120°F. Many are set higher by default, which can be unnecessary and even lead to accidental scalding.

Let Nature Help Out

Don’t forget the power of the South Dakota sun! During our cold winters, open your blinds on south-facing windows during the day to let the sun naturally heat your living room. Close them as soon as the sun goes down to trap that heat. In the summer, do the opposite: keep the blinds closed during the day to keep your apartment from turning into a greenhouse.

Why Communication Matters

Sometimes, high energy bills are caused by a maintenance issue, such as a dirty furnace filter or a malfunctioning AC unit. At Luke Properties, we want your home to be as efficient as possible. If you notice your HVAC system is cycling constantly or making strange noises, let us know! Regular maintenance not only helps the environment but also keeps your home more comfortable.

By following these tips, you can enjoy everything Sioux Falls has to offer without stressing over your next utility statement. At Luke Properties, we’re proud to provide high-quality homes and helpful advice to our local community. If you’re looking for your next rental home in the area, we’d love to help you find the perfect fit!