*If you have solar hot water on your rental already, go ahead and skip this section and move on to large appliances. 

 

The water heater itself is an area in which few renters have control.  Your best choice in Hawaii is solar.  If you do not already have solar hot water on your house maybe try convincing your landlord to upgrade.  They represent an excellent return on investment to the rental and there are numerous incentives for buying one (find out more about solar water heaters).  Outside of that, here are some tips from MECO (Maui Electric Company) to lower the impact of potentially the most energy consuming appliance in your house. 

• Try lowering the thermostat on your water heater from anywhere between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit

• Make sure to insulate older water heaters and pipes leading from it (find out how to insulate your water heater and pipes)

• If you are out of the house for more than a few days, turn the water heater off at the circuit breaker or with a switch

• Make sure to repair any leaking faucets