Lowering your electricity bill in a Clemson student apartment doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. With a few smart habits and efficient choices, you can easily reduce your monthly costs. As a CU student living in off-campus housing in Clemson, you're probably looking to save some money, live in a cheap apartment near campus, and cut expenses because let's be real, life as a college kid is expensive. This FAQ will guide you through simple and practical steps to lower your electricity bill without sacrificing comfort or convenience in your Clemson student apartment.
Off-campus housing is much different than on-campus apartments when it comes to how exactly electric bills are incurred and allocated. When living on-campus, like at Douthit, CU students do not have to pay a separate electricity bill, as it is all covered by Clemson University. However, as soon as you step off-campus, you will find those pesky little electricity bills coming in every month. As a Clemson student who lives in off-campus housing at the Pier, it is my understanding that most off-campus housing communities will charge in this manner: common space electricity usage is divided among the total number of residents in the apartment, and personal space is solely the responsibility of the resident. For example, the kitchen, living room, and exterior lighting would all be divided among you and your roommates while your bedroom and private bathroom would be your own responsibility. The other alternative is that the total electricity consumption of the entire apartment is evenly split among the roommates, regardless of per-person usage.
How do I lower my CU apartment's electricity bill?
Here are my best general tips to help make your electricity bill more cost-efficient as a Clemson student:
- Turn your lights off when you're leaving the house.
- Turn back the thermostat by 10-15 degrees when you're not home. This saves you around 10% a year on heating and cooling bills.
- In the summer, keep curtains and shades closed. In the winter, open curtains and shades so the sun can naturally warm your apartment.
- Use fans sometimes to cool your apartment instead of the AC unit.
- Clean the lint filter thoroughly after each dryer load. Separate dryer loads in lighter and heavier fabrics.
- Unplug devices when not in use and purchase smart strips to cut power with ease.
How does water usage affect your electricity bill?
Many students don't realize that water usage directly impacts their electricity bill, especially in apartments with electric water heaters. Heating water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing requires energy, so the hotter water you use, the higher your electricity costs. Additionally, appliances like washing machines and dishwashers consume both water and electricity, making efficiency key to saving money.
- Take shorter showers and use cooler water when possible.
- Wash clothes in cold water instead of hot.
- Only run the dishwasher or washing machine with full loads.
- Fix any leaks or dripping faucets to avoid wasting heated water.
- If your apartment has an electric water heater, lower the temperature setting to around 120°F for efficiency.
Saving money on your electricity bill in your Clemson apartment is easier than you think. Simple habits like adjusting your thermostat, turning off lights, and being smart about water and appliance use can help keep more cash in your pocket for the things that matter—like game days, food runs, and weekend plans. A few small changes now can make a big difference when the bill comes, so start cutting costs today and keep that extra money for yourself!