EcoLiving Ideas

By Brianna Marquart on Jan 26, 2009

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I have been a renter for a long time, but only recently have I questioned the efficiency of my Crosley Shelvador refrigerator from 1988. Apparently I am just one of the other 47 million Americans with a refrigerator over a decade old. In fact my refrigerator is so old that it still uses freon which is no longer manufactured in the United States. In my particular case the repair cost would be quite high to account for the freon, making it easier to persuade the landlord to consider a more environmentally sound option. However, a situation where the current fridge is just non-Energy Star rated, replacing it may be a harder sell to the landlord. The tenants' options include cost saving/energy saving helpful tips to use with your current fridge or pure negotiation for a new one.

Currently, there are no laws requiring landlords to provide energy efficient refrigerators for their tenants. So until then, the renter can gather some information and bargain. If purchasing an Energy Star qualified refrigerator is something that interests you, speak up! If you pay for electricity, you will pay less, and if you don't, your landlord will pay less--- what an incentive considering this economy! Or maybe your landlord could store the old fridge while you enjoy an energy efficient fridge. Either way, you can take your fridge with you whenever you move, that is if you can't entice your landlord to reimburse you, keep the fridge in the unit, and use it as a great selling point for future tenants.

Approaching your landlord prepared will help. Show them how much it costs annually to power your current fridge as opposed to an Energy Star fridge. Also, let them know how easy it is to recycle the old fridge. With all of this information and some gentle coaxing, it will be hard for your lessor to deny your request to save energy and increase the appeal of their rental residence. Everyone wins.

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Reviews

By Christine Olson on Mar 1, 2009

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By D Reinsberg on Feb 4, 2009

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Comments: I found this article very helpful. I would not have thought of asking my landlord to help out with the purchase of a large appliance.
Thank you.

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