Renters have been told that
saving power is not beyond their reach, even though some larger home improvement projects may not be possible.
While homeowners can make substantial improvements in the pursuit of
saving power - such as replacing inefficient washing machines or fitting double glazing - in rented accommodation such modifications can be harder to carry out.
But the Guardian has published an email from a reader that highlights some of the ways that tenants can help to improve their
energy efficiency.
The reader, named Joelle, asks the publication's expert Leo how she might be able to take steps to raise her
home's energy efficiency.
However, her email reveals that she has already done so in some ways that other tenants and homeowners alike could also easily achieve.
Joelle's efforts to reduce her power consumption by ten per cent - as part of the 10:10 Campaign - have centred around draught excluders so far.
She adds that she is now considering modifications that her landlord may be able to gain grants for, such as fitting secondary glazing to existing single-pane windows.
For homeowners, she notes that the available options may be wider, as they do not need to gain permission from a landlord before undertaking home improvements.
As a result, the list of possible energy efficiency gains can include fitting double glazing, rather than secondary glazing.
Buying new, energy efficient white goods such as the washing machine and fridge can also help to save power consumption in the long run.
Meanwhile, homeowners and tenants who are determined to eradicate draughts from their property could be keen to take the advice of the Energy Saving Trust.
The organisation explains that the gaps around doors are not the only place where steps can be taken to keep draughts at bay.
Excluders can also be fitted to the letterbox, allowing mail through but helping to keep the cold air out.
