Here’s how you can save on rent and utilities without making life harder.

Review Your Rent Situation

Start by taking a close look at your rent. Are you paying a fair price for your space? Check similar rentals in your area to see how your rent compares. If prices have gone down or stayed the same, it may be worth having a polite conversation with your landlord about renewing your lease at a lower rate.

If your lease is ending soon, consider negotiating before signing again. Long-term tenants who pay on time often have more leverage than they think. Even a small monthly reduction can add up over the year.

Consider Downsizing or Getting a Roommate

If rent takes up a big part of your income, downsizing might be worth considering. A smaller unit or moving to a nearby area with lower rent can make a noticeable difference.

Another option is getting a roommate. Sharing rent and utilities can cut costs almost in half. Just make sure expectations are clear from the start to avoid stress later on.

Be Smart With Electricity Use

Utility bills can quietly eat up your budget, especially electricity. Simple habits go a long way. Turn off lights and appliances when they’re not in use, and unplug chargers that aren’t needed.

Using energy-efficient LED bulbs can lower your electricity bill over time. If you use air conditioning or heating often, set it to a comfortable but moderate temperature instead of the coldest or warmest setting.

Read here for more energy-saving tips!

Watch Your Water Usage

Water bills may seem small, but they add up. Shorter showers, fixing small leaks, and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save more than you expect.

If you have a washing machine, try doing full loads instead of several small ones. This saves both water and electricity.

Plan Your Utility Payments

Late fees are an easy way to waste money. Set reminders or automate your payments so bills are paid on time every month. Some utility companies offer discounts or flexible payment plans, so it’s worth checking what options are available.

Keeping track of your monthly usage also helps you spot sudden increases early before they turn into bigger bills.

Make Small Home Upgrades

You don’t need big renovations to save money. Simple upgrades like door draft stoppers, thicker curtains, or weather stripping can help keep your home cooler or warmer, reducing energy use.

If allowed, using power strips makes it easier to turn off multiple electronics at once, cutting down on standby power.

Create a Monthly Budget You Can Stick To

Saving money works best when you know where your cash is going. List your rent and average utility costs, then set a realistic limit for each month. Seeing the numbers clearly can motivate better habits.

Even small savings, like lowering your bill by a few dollars, add up over the year and free up money for other goals.

Start the Year With Smarter Spending

Saving on rent and utilities doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. With a few small changes and better planning, you can reduce your monthly expenses and start the new year feeling more in control of your finances. A little effort now can lead to big savings later.

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Here are some summer energy-saving tips that work well for apartment living.

Block the Sun to Keep Your Space Cool

Direct sunlight can heat up your apartment fast, especially if your windows face the sun most of the day. Keeping your blinds or curtains closed during the daytime is a simple way to reduce heat.

If you can, use blackout curtains or thermal drapes. These not only block light but also help insulate your windows, keeping the cool air inside. In the evening, open up your windows and curtains to let cooler air in and give your space a nice breeze.

Use Fans Wisely

Fans are a great way to stay cool, but they work best when used properly. A ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise in the summer, pushing air down and creating a wind-chill effect. If you have a standing or box fan, position it near a window at night to pull in cooler outside air.

Just remember that fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave to avoid wasting energy.

Make the Most of Your Air Conditioner

If you have an air conditioner, whether it’s central air or a window unit, it’s important to help it run efficiently. Make sure to clean or replace the filter regularly, at least once a month during peak use.

Keep your windows and doors closed tightly while the AC is running, and don’t set it too low. A setting between 76 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit is usually comfortable without overworking the system.

Unplug Devices You’re Not Using

Many electronics draw power even when they’re turned off. This “phantom energy” adds up over time. Unplug chargers, TVs, gaming systems, and kitchen appliances when they’re not in use. A power strip can make this easier by allowing you to turn off multiple items with one switch.

While you’re at it, consider switching out older light bulbs for LED ones, they use less energy and don’t give off as much heat.

Cook with Less Heat

Your oven and stove can make your apartment feel like a sauna. Try to cook during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening. Better yet, choose meals that don’t require cooking at all, like salads or sandwiches. If you do need to cook, opt for smaller appliances like a microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer, which won’t heat up the whole kitchen.

Do Laundry the Energy-Smart Way

Laundry can use a lot of electricity, especially if you’re washing small loads or using hot water. Try to wash full loads in cold water whenever possible. It gets your clothes clean and saves energy at the same time. If your apartment allows it, air-dry your clothes on a drying rack instead of using the dryer.

Use Nature to Your Advantage

Take advantage of cooler nights by opening windows on opposite sides of your apartment to create a cross breeze. This natural ventilation can make a big difference in how your apartment feels.

You can also place a bowl of ice in front of a fan for a quick DIY air-cooling trick. And don’t underestimate the power of dressing for the weather, light, breathable fabrics can help you stay cool without touching the thermostat.

Small Changes, Big Savings

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you’re stuck with high energy bills all summer long. Simple habits like closing the blinds, unplugging unused electronics, and using fans effectively can go a long way. You don’t need to spend a fortune to stay comfortable, you just need a few smart tricks up your sleeve. Stay cool and energy-smart this summer!

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If you are a renter, you can’t really make drastic changes to your apartment without the approval of your landlord. But, don’t worry! That doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to save energy in your apartment. There are actually many basic and easy ways to do it.

Weatherstrip Your Windows

Sealing any air leaks in your windows (and doors) can help you save energy. When your apartment loses heat in the winter because of these air leaks, your heating system works overtime to produce more heat which forces your energy consumption to increase. Same goes with air conditioning during summer. Proper weatherstripping can help keep the heat/cold inside during the winter/summer, and keep the outside air from coming in.

There are a variety of ways to do this, but the simplest one would be to DIY plastic, felt, or vinyl. You could also opt for draft stoppers or door sweeps in for the bottom of your doors. If  you haven’t have the time to do any of these yet, just roll a towel in front of your window sills to prevent any drafts from coming through.

Another helpful tip during the summer is to use blinds (or blackout shades) and keep them down in the morning. Morning sunshine is good, but the longer you let it in, the hotter your apartment will be. More heat causes your air conditioning unit to overwork, which causes higher energy consumption.

Replace Your Light Bulbs with LED Ones

Not only do LED light bulbs consume less energy than the usual ones, they also cost less! If you don’t want to change all the light bulbs in your apartment, then start with the fixtures and lamps that you use more often.

Still, the number one rule to save energy is to turn off the lights (and fans) when not in use. It’s free and very easy to do!

Reduce Hot Water Usage

Using less hot water also uses less energy to produce heat. Whenever you can, use cold water when showering or take shorter hot showers.

Another thing you can do is to wash your clothes in cold water. A full load under cold water can already save a lot of water and electricity, plus it cleans the same!

Avoid Phantom Power or Energy Vampires

When you leave your devices and appliances plugged in when not in use, they still consume energy which is called phantom or vampire power. Examples of these are your phone chargers, tv, toasters, coffee machines, and even your power strips. So, for an efficient energy saving, you could purchase some smart power strips which can automatically turn off electricity whenever you turn your devices off. Or, you could just unplug any devices that are not in use.

These tips are only a few ways to save energy in your apartment without doing drastic changes and spending money. Whether it’s your own house or you are just renting, make smarter choices and less negative impact on the environment by conserving energy efficiently.

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From managing your thermostat to purchasing rugs for cold floors, here are tips on heating your apartment without running up the bill.

1. Clean Your Air Filters

Throughout the year the filters in your heating system can get clogged with dust and other household grime. This forces the heat setting to work harder to push warm air through the filter. Keeping your filters clean will allow the heating unit to run more efficiently, thus saving you money. Don’t know where to locate your filters or how to clean them? Have no fear! We’ve created a video tutorial to help. “How to clean the filters of your heating and cooling unit.”

2. Add Rugs

If you have tile, hardwood, or vinyl floors in your apartment consider stocking up on a few rugs. Additional rugs can really help if your carpet is a bit on the thin side, as well. 

Something you may not have considered is stitch count. The stitch count of the rug you’re purchasing is more important than just the overall thickness. Stitch count tends to insulate the best.

Adding a pad underneathe your rug can double the insulation you receive too, plus it makes for a much more cushioned experience. 

3. Avoid Space Heaters

Sometimes the only way to beat the cold is to turn up the heat. Unfortunately, space heaters are typically pretty inefficient heating sources since they require a ton of electricity to heat a small amount of square footage.

4. Manage Your Thermostat

Do not turn off your heat when you leave your home. It will cost twice as much and take twice as long to get warm if you wait until you get home to crank up the dial. Leaving your heater running a few degrees lower than you are comfortable when you are gone for the day is the most cost effective way to manage your apartments temperature. Once you return home, bump it up to the temp your prefer.

5. Bundle Up

Winter isn’t the best time to live in your shorts and tshirt, at least not here in Wisconsin. If that’s your go-to outfit for comfort at home, you may have to pay a little more to keep the heat higher. We suggest creating a happy medium. Turn the thermostat up to a comfortable setting and wear cozier pj’s with thick socks or slippers. Winter is the perfect time to bundle up in a soft blanket or oversized robe, as well.

You can also keep yourself toasty at night by fluffing up your bedding with thicker duvet covers or comforters.

As the days get shorter and the cold sets in, biting the bullet and paying the extra heating costs can seem like a good idea. We’re glad you stopped by to research better, more cost-effective ways to save money and live comfortably throughout our brutal Wisconsin winters.

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Floor Plans

Cameron Heights pairs functional style with spacious one and two bedroom apartment homes.

Designed with warm, inviting interiors, large rooms, sizable closets, and tons of countertop space. Cameron Heights Apartments captures the significance of “home”.

Appleton Place consists of studio and 1 and 2 bedrooms, in loft and ranch-style floorplans. These apartment homes embody exactly what tranquil living really means. With modern must-haves like breakfast bars, full-size appliances, kitchen pantries, and cathedral ceilings.

Community Features

The pair both come with everything you need to live life with ease and convenience. Whether you prefer to relax in the comfort of your own home, or choose to take advantage of the gorgeous views from your patio or balcony – you’ll always enjoy your leisure time.

These communities are both smoke-free and pet-friendly, sharing a cats welcome pet policy. Other key features include underground parking, storage units and secure entry doors.

Cameron Heights has the unique addition of a charcoal grilling and picnic station in it’s park-like setting, too.

Residents of both communities would probably say their favorite shared feature is the on-site management team. And we couldn’t agree more!

Fun, friendly and professional – Appleton Place and Cameron Heights Apartments both reap the benefits of quality care offered by an unmatched management line up.

Location, Location, Location

Venture from your cozy apartment, to find yourself surrounded by one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the Metro Milwaukee area. Downtown Menomonee Falls is home to more than 140 businesses. For instance, Hot House Tavern, a local favorite serves up delicious one-of-a-kind options like tempura veggies and tequila shrimp wraps. Meanwhile, January 27th marks the grand opening for a new Olive Garden on Falls Parkway, in White Stone Station. Certainly food isn’t all this area includes – Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market, Ulta Beauty, Target, and TJ Maxx round out a perfect weekend, all within a few short miles. Galleries, salons, and much more are just around every corner.

In addition, residents can celebrate seasonal events year round like summer concerts, farmers markets, and crowd pleasing parades.

16 parks and over 30 miles in trails surround these communities, as well. Take a stroll on the Bug Line Trail, a former railroad spur, now a 15.6 mile multi-purpose trail. Visit Lepper Dam at Mill Pond. Rebuilt in 1953, this dam creates falling water which is often mistaken for “The Falls”.

In summary, Cameron Heights and Appleton Place Apartments include amazing features, both inside and out. Bordering Brookfield, Germantown, Lisbon, Milwaukee, and Sussex, everything you need is right outside your door.

It’s time to make your move, these beautiful apartment homes won’t last long. Schedule your showing today!

Cameron Heights Apartments (262) 253-9845     Appleton Place Apartments (262) 250-1778

The post Cameron Heights and Appleton Place Apartments: Now Leasing! appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

Your monthly rent usually doesn’t include apartment utilities. Renting expenses can vary greatly, but here are the typical utilities to expect. Electricity, gas, water, trash, recycling, cable, and internet. We suggest including renter’s insurance on this list, as well.

What Utilities are Included in Your Lease?

Before taking the first step in applying for an apartment, you should know what utilities will be included in your lease.

It’s common for renters to have their trash and recycling bills covered by their landlord. The renter will then be responsible for the electric and water bill, for instance. However, free WiFi is a new option some renters wouldn’t think to ask about. So make sure you have every utility listed clearly on your lease agreement.

It’s Electric!

Your electricity bill is usually the largest utility bill due monthly. There are key things to look for when renting an apartment that could play into a pricey bill. Here are a few things to consider…

Number of Rooms

The more rooms you have, the more rooms you’ll need to heat and run your air conditioner to keep cool. Always check if the apartment has electric baseboard heaters. These heaters are individual units that heat your apartment room-by-room. Another option offered room-by-room is a PTAC or packaged terminal air conditioner. PTAC’s are self-contained heating and air conditioning systems typically installed in the wall of a single room.

Ways to Conserve Energy

• Maintain an average temperature throughout the day. Don’t make the mistake of leaving your heater or air conditioning off during the day. Cranking the dials drastically when you get home can actually work against you. Your heater or air conditioner is using a lot more energy to drastically change the temperature than they would be if they kept a steady pace throughout the day and night.
• Invest in energy efficiency.
  1. Replace your light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs – Not only will you save money using anywhere from 25-75% less electricity, but you will also rarely need to replace these bulbs. They can last up to 20 times longer than regular light bulbs. A true win-win.
  2. Use Smart power strips – The electricity used when electronics are turned off or in standby mode, are a major source of energy waste. These are known as, “Phantom Loads”. You can eliminate this extra cost by using Smart or Advanced power strips. When your electronics are not in use, these power strips will turn them off. They can be set to a timer or controlled by a remote device. Both saving you money and upping your cool factor.

Heating and Gas Bills

These bills are commonly found on your electricity bill. However, due to gas appliances and gas heaters, these could be sent separately. Either way, it’s beneficial to know if you should calculate these costs into your monthly budget before renting your apartment or townhome.

It’s also smart to ask your landlord or property manager what to expect in utility costs. Calling the utility company is equally important. Never go off just an opinion or personal guess. Ask the landlord for the exact apartment address and apartment number of your potential new rental home. Then provide that address to the utility company for the average bill in that specific unit. This will be the closest you will come to know your likely costs in the future.

Who Pays for Water?

The majority of apartment complexes or townhome properties include water in the rent price. In comparison, there are locations that make their tenants split the cost of the entire building or with the floor their apartment is located on. As an example, if you live on the fourth floor, you would split the water bill with every other apartment on that floor. It seems less than appealing, right? Thankfully, our properties are not included in that group!

The average daily water usage is split between the toilet, bathtub or shower, and appliances, including a washer and dishwasher. In addition to those, don’t forget the water used for drinking and personal hygiene.

Cable and Internet Bills

Are you streaming your TV services or purchasing a cable package to DVR your favorite shows? No matter the case, you’ll need the internet for both!

Research what cable and internet companies service the area you’re looking to live in. Then decide if you’re going to need faster speeds to fit your needs. (We’re poets over here.) The majority of our properties, for instance, offer AT&T Fiber which has speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. The demands of an online gamer will be different than someone who just pops on Amazon for a quick purchase here and there. So make sure you’re not overpaying for something you’ll never use.

Total Utility Costs

To summarize, there is no way to estimate the total utility costs without considering your individual renting scenario. This budget will depend on things like how many people live in the apartment, what climate you live in, and what your daily habits are. Take the time to research what best fits your needs. When in doubt, ask questions! Never be afraid to cover your bases and ask questions when touring different apartment communities. Expensive surprises are the worst kind of surprises. To help get you started, we’ve added a few links from local companies below. Also, hop on over to our Rental Application page and check out what beautiful apartment homes we currently have available. One of our amazing property managers will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

WE Energies Energy-Saving Tips 

AT&T U-Verse TV & Internet Bundles

Spectrum Cable & Internet Services

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