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Finding different ways to save money is always appealing to post-secondary students. Sometimes they are obvious — like, do you really need a second breakfast, elevenses and afternoon tea? Probably not.
If you're a new student, or have kids entering post-secondary, here are a few tips to reduce energy usage and save money this winter.
Alternative heat and energy usage
This is an easy one. Turn that thermostat down and wrap yourself up like a burrito in your fluffiest blankets. I bet you won’t even notice the cold.
If you don’t have enough blankets, just add layers. Find your coziest socks, a winter onesie, seven pajama pants or whatever works!
Speaking of burritos, did you just use the oven? Once you’re done baking, leave that oven door open. Triple check that it’s off first of course.
Free charging? Yes, please. Do your homework at the library. Not only will you be warm, but you can charge your phone and your laptop for free.
If you don’t have homework to work on, which is unlikely, just bring a good book to read. Don’t have one? You’re in a library, no excuses!
Appliance management
If you use a dishwasher, be sure to turn off the heat dry setting to save some power. Let your dishes air dry.
Washed your clothes this week? Hopefully you did. Find an area in your home where you can hang some clothes to air dry instead of using your dryer as often. Leaving your clothes to air dry won’t harm them and you will save some money.
Switch to low energy light bulbs throughout your house. Be sure to switch off the lights when you leave the house for class or if you’re moving from room-to-room.
Water management
This one can be difficult. Many of us enjoy a nice long shower in the morning to wake up. Taking shorter showers will save a ton of water and energy usage in the long run.
When you’re brushing your teeth or shaving, be sure to turn the water off when you aren’t using it. Leaving it on for a few minutes when you only need it on for 30 seconds adds up.
Have a roommate meeting about energy efficiency
If you’re trying to save money then you probably have or are considering getting roommates.
Money is one of those topics that is difficult to bring up. Be sure to have a roommate meeting about whether they want to be energy efficient or not. Discuss it.
Be clear about how you want to cut costs on energy usage and ask them if they are on board. You might have to do a little extra work figuring out the cost difference, but once you get a routine going it will be easy!
Always watch your bills and your meter readings to catch any errors. Not only will you catch errors quickly, but you will also understand how much energy things take.
Choose an energy efficient home
The developments built by Mission Group are built with an Inspired Green® approach.
The new U-Eight development right next to UBC Okanagan campus in Kelowna is scheduled to be move-in ready for the 2020 fall semester. If you are a current or prospective student looking for an energy efficient home right next to the university, then be sure to check these out.
Sales for U-Eight are expected to begin by the end of January 2019, and construction is set to start in the spring. Visit the U-Eight website to learn more about this opportunity.
U-Eight has an authentic university living experience with an Inspired Green® design at the steadily growing UBC Okanagan campus, without the limitations of traditional residence.
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