4 Genius Ways to Lower Your Electric & Water Bills in Your Rental
Lower Your Electric & Water Bills like the genius you are.
Everyone wants to save a coin or two. While managing utility costs in a rental can seem challenging, it’s often simpler than you think. The secret lies in making small, smart changes to your daily habits.
If you’re tired of shocking KPLC and water bills, here are 4 effective tips to help you keep more money in your pocket.
1. Become an LED Champion
This is one of the simplest and most effective changes you can make. Replace all old, energy-hungry incandescent (the yellowish, hot-to-the-touch bulbs) or even CFL bulbs with modern LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs.
Why it works: The Brilliant Economics of LEDs
While an LED bulb has a slightly higher upfront cost, it pays for itself many times over.
- Drastically Lower Energy Use: LED bulbs use up to 80-90% less electricity than incandescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light. A 5W LED can give you the same brightness as a 40W incandescent bulb.
- Exceptionally Long Lifespan: An incandescent bulb might last 1,200 hours. A quality LED can last 25,000 hours or more, saving you money on replacements for years.
2. Unplug the “Silent Thieves” (Vampire Power)
Did you know that electronics can still suck power even when they’re “off”? This phantom power can be responsible for up to 10% of your monthly KPLC bill.
The Hack: Don’t just switch off your electronics with the remote! Completely unplug devices like your TV, decoder, phone charger, microwave, and laptop charger when not in active use. The easiest way is to use a power strip with a switch and turn the entire strip off at the wall.
Why it works: Many electronics enter a standby mode, drawing a small amount of electricity for features like instant-on readiness. While tiny for one device, the combined effect of multiple “silent thieves” 24/7 adds up significantly.
3. Shower Smarter, Don’t Bath
Make a conscious effort to take shorter showers (aim for 5-7 minutes) instead of filling a bathtub. Using a shower timer or simply being mindful can make a big difference.
Why it works: The Double Savings
This hack delivers a powerful one-two punch on your bills:
- Saves Water: A typical bath can use over 100 litres. A 5-minute shower with an efficient showerhead uses less than half of that.
- Saves Electricity (The Big Win): For most Kenyan rentals, water is heated by an electric showerhead or boiler. Heating water is incredibly energy-intensive. Using less hot water directly slashes your KPLC bill.
4. Fix That Drip & Report Leaks Immediately
That constant drip-drip-drip isn’t just annoying; it’s a leak in your wallet. As a tenant, your responsibility is to report any leaking taps, toilets, or pipes to your landlord or property manager as soon as you notice them.
Why it works: The Staggering Cost of a “Small” Drip
- Shocking Waste: A single faucet dripping at one drop per second can waste over 50 litres of water a day—that’s enough to fill multiple drinking jugs! In a month, you could be paying for over 1,500 litres of water that literally went down the drain.
- Direct Savings: This wasted water is measured by your meter. A prompt fix stops this waste, directly lowering your water charges.
Start Saving Today- Lower Your Electric & Water Bills like the genius you are !
We hope these practical tips help you take control of your utility bills. Small, consistent actions lead to big savings over time.
Which tip did you find most helpful? Do you have your own money-saving hack? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Brought to you by Lavender Properties – committed to helping our tenants live comfortably and affordably
