Let’s face it: Renters don’t have much control over their living space. I remember layering on sweaters and covering windows with plastic film (along with a healthy dose of resentment) as I desperately tried to keep bone-chilling winters at bay in my old rental.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. On average, rental homes consume 15% more energy per square foot than owner-occupied homes, leading to higher utility bills. Yet renters are often left out of conversations about energy efficiency – even though they’re the ones paying those bills.
The good news? You now have more options than you might think, from quick DIY fixes to major upgrades backed by significant rebates. And landlords, this benefits you, too.
For immediate relief, start with renter-friendly improvements: weatherstripping around doors and windows; plastic shrink-film to seal drafty windows; temporary latex caulk to seal gaps around trim and baseboards; efficient space heaters for targeted warmth; rugs to insulate cold floors; and door draft blockers. Switching to LED bulbs, smart power strips and a portable induction cooktop can also lower your bills. Even the least handy among us can tackle these quick fixes.
Here’s where things get exciting. Through 4CORE, renters (and homeowners!) can get a free comprehensive energy assessment. Thanks to a partnership with the city of Durango, assessments are free to all city residents – and as long as funding lasts, we’re offering them free to county residents, too.
This isn’t a generic checklist you find online. It’s a thorough three- to four- hour evaluation by a certified energy analyst who examines your home from crawlspace to attic and performs a blower door test to identify exactly where energy is escaping.
You’ll receive a detailed report that prioritizes improvements, calculates potential savings, and distinguishes between fixes you can make yourself and upgrades worth discussing with your landlord. During the visit, analysts can also install free LED bulbs, pipe insulation and water heater blankets.
Income-qualified households can then access up to $2,000 in Energy Smart Colorado rebates for recommended weatherization or insulation upgrades.
If your energy assessment reveals major opportunities – like replacing an old furnace or adding insulation – you can help your landlord access the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program, which offers rebates up to $14,000.
Unlike most programs, HEAR is available to renters with a letter of support from their landlord. And critically, if the renter applies, it’s the renter’s income that determines eligibility – not the landlord’s. This means you could unlock substantial rebates your landlord wouldn’t otherwise qualify for.
Why would a landlord say yes? Because these upgrades protect their investment, increase property value, reduce liability and lead to happier, longer-term renters. It really is a win-win.
Whether you’re a renter, landlord or homeowner, I’m here to help you navigate available resources.
In March, I will host free “Power Hours” in the lobby of the Durango Public Library, 1900 East Third Ave.:
- March 4, 5 to 6 p.m.
- March 23, noon to 1 p.m.
Stop by with questions or come learn what’s available. I look forward to seeing you there. You can also email me: erika@fourcore.org.
Erika Brown is regional energy coach for 4CORE. Reach her at erika@fourcore.org.
