If you are looking to save energy costs, or just want to be environmentally conscious in your daily living, there are many tricks and shortcuts you can take to conserve energy. Use these energy saving tips in your apartment to lower your energy bill while also doing the environment a favor!
Energy efficient light bulbs – Energy efficient light bulbs are an easy way to save energy at home, as they typically use between 25% and 80% less energy and last much longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Although energy efficient bulbs usually cost a little more than regular bulbs, they will save you money over time.
Adjust thermostat – Another easy energy saving tip is to simply adjust your thermostat to an energy efficient temperature when you’re not at home. If you have a programmable thermostat, this can be done by simply changing the temperature setting during specific time frames that you are at work or know you won’t be at home. Otherwise, you can manually adjust the thermostat higher in warmer months or lower in colder months when you’re not at home.
Unplug power cords – When they’re not in use, make sure to unplug devices like phone chargers and mp3 player docks to save energy. Another convenient way to both organize cords and to save energy is to use power strips for plugging in multiple cords, and then simply switch the power strip off when the devices they are charging are not in use.
Short showers – Instead of taking baths or long showers, try to take showers in 10 minutes or less. Not only will you save on time, also on your water bill by using much less water.
Close shades and drapes in summer – During the warmer months, help cool your apartment by blocking the sun coming in from windows so you won’t have to use as much air conditioning to stay comfortable.
Washing clothes – Maximize your washing machine usage by washing full loads of laundry instead of more frequent smaller loads. To save even more energy when doing laundry, use the cold wash setting as much as possible.
Looking for a great new apartment to move in to? Check out our many excellent metro New Orleans apartments available now!
A constant balancing act in life is making and sticking to a strong budget, which is very important, especially when you have your own apartment. It makes life a lot less stressful and more organized when you have a budget planned out. If you’re not sure where to start or how to get back to a good place financially, here are some key steps to consider.
Pay off debt – Debt is the most common plague to someone’s financial status, and the best way to eliminate that burden is to pay it off, whether you can in full or through an extended payment plan. Once debt is out of the equation, you can focus on investments and things you actually want to spend your money on, not to mention improve your credit score and avoid collections agencies.
Future Focused – Instead of a retrospective budget, or one where you analyze the previous month’s spend, plan out what your expenses will be ahead of time, and plan your spending accordingly. This will control how much you spend and what you spend it on, and avoid overdrawn charges or any financial surprises.
Keep a reserve – Whether it’s a savings account or a set amount you always leave in your checking account, make sure you have some back up money in case of emergencies or unexpected expenses. You never know when you might have car trouble, need to make quick travel plans or any number of things you’ll need access to extra money for.
Looking for a great apartment in the New Orleans area? 1st Lake has many attractive and convenient options!
The Northshore is a fantastic community located on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana. The Northshore provides plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation, dining and apartment living.
1st lake properties has apartment communities all over the Northshore in Mandeville, Covington and Slidell.
If you’re moving to the Northshore, here is a guide to all of the hot spots you should know about.
Established in 1813, Covington has a rich history and a charming historic downtown. Columbia Street in Downtown Covington is a great place to spend your Saturday, whether you’re shopping, dining or just grabbing a quick drink. Here are some of our favorite spots:
All of these stores and restaurants are easily accessible from 1st lake’s Brewster Commons.
Brewster Commons at River Chase is a tranquil apartment community in Covington, LA. You have the option of one, two and three bedroom luxury apartments with carports and detached garages. You can enjoy indoor appliances such as full size washers and dryers and refrigerators with ice makers. Outside, you can relax in the hot tub or take a dip in the pool. You will also have full access to the fitness and yoga centers. With all of the activities to do in and around Brewster Commons, spots are filling up quickly. Reserve your apartment home today.
Mandeville is a historic fishing community with beautiful views of the water, plentiful outdoor activities, and great dining options. Here are some highlights:
All of these activities are right near the Grand Palms apartments in Mandeville.
1st lake’s Grand Palms in Mandeville, LA is a beautiful gated apartment community. Grand Palms has spacious floor plans, floor to ceiling windows and brand new cabinetry. This apartment building is for people looking for a modern living space- either loft style or single story villas. You are just thirty minutes from Metairie and Downtown New Orleans, so the commute is minimal. If you are looking for quiet living outside of the city, Grand Palms is for you. Apply for a lease today.
Slidell is a unique Cajun town surrounded by rivers and bayous. The town is full of cultural attractions you won’t want to miss.
1st lake’s Audubon Gates apartments are close to all of these wonderful establishments.
1st lake’s Audubon Gates in Slidell boasts a swimming pool, tennis court and playground area. Indoors, you will find bright kitchens, washers and dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators with ice makers. This apartment community is conveniently located near I-10 and I-12 making New Orleans, Covington, Mandeville, and the Mississippi gulf coast extremely accessible. Audubon Gates is pet friendly. Apply today to secure an apartment!
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Related posts: Neighborhood Guide Metairie, Neighborhood Guide River Ridge.
The May flowers are in full bloom after the April showers, and so are the specials on 1st Lake apartments! Check out these great deals, special offers and reduced rental rates on select metro New Orleans apartments this month, and start making your moving plans!
Hickory Creek – The savings are big at this great River Ridge location in May. Specials include two weeks of free rent, a $99 deposit on two bedroom rentals, and reduced rents on select apartments.
Fox Run – The Fox Run apartments in Metairie offer excellent amenities and a unique 1,200 square foot loft available for immediate move-in. Make an appointment to visit this community and check out the beautiful interior upgrades including large kitchens with modern features and appliances, plus a private entrance!
Premises – The Premises apartments in Metairie are located in a great, convenient location just blocks away from Lakeside Shopping Center. Check out the fully furnished, corporate apartments available now that make business travel a pleasure.
Sawmill Creek – Sawmill Creek offers spacious and comfortable apartment homes in River Ridge with $175 in savings on move-in costs for select floor plans and special rental rates on one and two bedroom apartments!
Park Oaks – These pristine Metairie apartments on Lake Avenue have great studio and one bedroom floor plans available with unbeatable values. Check out the rates today!
Sugarmill West – These resort-style Kenner apartments are offering up to $175 in savings on move-in costs, plus special rental rates on select apartments for May!
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and for those last minute-shoppers out there, we’ve got ideas for affordable gifts you’ll be able to find at your nearest shopping center. Make mom feel special with any of these Mother’s Day gift ideas!
Summer scarf – Scarves aren’t just for winter! A bright and light summer scarf can be just the thing for adding a pop of color to summer basics – something moms are sure to love!
Stationery – Whether you’re giving your mom a custom-made card for Mother’s Day or a set of stationery with specialty messages in artistic type, note cards are always a good idea.
Coasters – Up your mother’s coaster game with special linen or satin stitched coasters that add a touch of sophistication to the common surface protectors.
Knit kit – Whether she’s just learning or it’s been a long-time hobby, a knitting starter kit or new needles and thread makes a great gift for any mom.
Floppy hat – Make sure your mom is protected from the shade with a new, stylish floppy hat. No matter if her style is casual or dressy, there are types for every taste.
Cactus garden – Many moms enjoy planting a flower or vegetable garden, but when it comes to low-maintenance plants that can live inside, a variety of cacti is the way to go!
Rolling pin – If your mom loves to bake, a rolling pin is essential. Personalize a basic rolling pin by getting it laser-engraved with her name and even a favorite recipe.
Looking for a great new apartment in the New Orleans area? 1st Lake Properties has over 9,500 apartments in Metairie, Kenner, River Ridge and across southeast Louisiana and Mississippi!
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
