Choosing an Apartment or Condo
Know what to look for and what energy questions to ask when searching for an apartment or condo
Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, when you know what to look for and what questions to ask, you can make sure your next apartment or condo is safer, healthier, and more energy efficient. Discover information to help you find a cleaner and greener place to call home.
How You’ll Benefit
- Lower your utility bills by using less energy each month
- Feel more comfortable in your home with fewer drafts and better heating and cooling
- Enjoy a better living environment with improved site aesthetics, indoor air quality, and higher quality lighting
- Experience peace of mind with products, appliances, and equipment that are safer and have fewer maintenance issues
- Live a more sustainable lifestyle with low-carbon technologies
What to Ask
1. Has this building been air sealed and insulated?
A building’s “envelope,” which includes products such as insulation and high-quality windows, can be a highly effective way to reduce apartment energy use and costs. A proper building envelope can also create a healthier, more comfortable environment for residents by regulating the indoor climate (temperature control, air quality, etc.) and protecting against outdoor elements (drafts, condensation, etc.).
2. What type of heating and cooling system does this building use?
Heating and cooling can account for more than half of a home's energy-related expenses. High-efficiency HVAC systems can deliver better performance, lowering monthly utility bills and improving your comfort with greater climate and temperature control. NYSERDA recommends cold-climate heat pumps as the best heating and cooling option for health, safety, comfort, and energy efficiency.
3. Does this unit have high-efficiency LED lighting?
Energy-efficient lighting can help you save money and make your apartment or condo feel more like home. In comparison to conventional lighting options, high-efficiency lighting uses less energy, costs less to operate, and can last much longer than traditional options—up to 25 years. Lighting fixtures may come equipped with controls and sensors to automatically turn on or off based on time of day, motion, or room occupancy, to help save even more.
4. Does this property have EV charging stations on site?
More and more apartment and condo buildings are installing charging stations for electric vehicles in their parking lots and garages. If you drive an electric vehicle or are considering one for your next vehicle purchase, be sure to ask what charging options are available for you as a building resident.
What to Look For
When viewing an apartment or condo that you may be considering for your next place to call home, there are certain things you can look for yourself without needing to ask any questions at all.
- If viewing the apartment or condo during the winter, notice if it feels very cold or drafty — especially near windows and doors.
- If viewing the apartment or condo during the summer, notice if it feels very hot and stuffy.
- Take a careful look at the appliances to see if they are labeled with the blue ENERGY STAR® label.
- If you’re viewing an apartment or condo in a building with more than 20 units, look for an ENERGY STAR® building score. The closer the score is to 100, the better! If you are viewing a unit in New York City, you will see an A-D letter grade that corresponds to the building’s Building Energy Efficiency Rating
.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Once you're settled in your apartment or condo, consider maximizing energy savings in your new home with these additional programs and resources:
- Community Solar: Community solar lets New Yorkers access the benefits of clean energy without having to purchase or install their own solar panels. By joining a community solar plan, you can receive credits on your electric utility bill that help you save money.
- NY Energy Advisor : By answering a few questions, income-eligible New Yorkers can access a custom list of energy-saving offers and programs.
- Offers for Your Landlord or Co-op: There are programs and funding offers available that can help make your apartment or condo more energy efficient when your landlord, housing co-op, or condo association takes advantage of them.
- Regional Clean Energy Hubs: Your Regional Clean Energy Hub can help you access local information on new opportunities to benefit from New York’s transition to clean energy, including ways to save, green career opportunities, and more!
For a full list of residential programs, visit our energy programs and incentives page.
Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, when you know what to look for and what questions to ask, you can make sure your next apartment or condo is safer, healthier, and more energy efficient. Discover information to help you find a cleaner and greener place to call home.
How You’ll Benefit
- Lower your utility bills by using less energy each month
- Feel more comfortable in your home with fewer drafts and better heating and cooling
- Enjoy a better living environment with improved site aesthetics, indoor air quality, and higher quality lighting
- Experience peace of mind with products, appliances, and equipment that are safer and have fewer maintenance issues
- Live a more sustainable lifestyle with low-carbon technologies
What to Ask
1. Has this building been air sealed and insulated?
A building’s “envelope,” which includes products such as insulation and high-quality windows, can be a highly effective way to reduce apartment energy use and costs. A proper building envelope can also create a healthier, more comfortable environment for residents by regulating the indoor climate (temperature control, air quality, etc.) and protecting against outdoor elements (drafts, condensation, etc.).
2. What type of heating and cooling system does this building use?
Heating and cooling can account for more than half of a home's energy-related expenses. High-efficiency HVAC systems can deliver better performance, lowering monthly utility bills and improving your comfort with greater climate and temperature control. NYSERDA recommends cold-climate heat pumps as the best heating and cooling option for health, safety, comfort, and energy efficiency.
3. Does this unit have high-efficiency LED lighting?
Energy-efficient lighting can help you save money and make your apartment or condo feel more like home. In comparison to conventional lighting options, high-efficiency lighting uses less energy, costs less to operate, and can last much longer than traditional options—up to 25 years. Lighting fixtures may come equipped with controls and sensors to automatically turn on or off based on time of day, motion, or room occupancy, to help save even more.
4. Does this property have EV charging stations on site?
More and more apartment and condo buildings are installing charging stations for electric vehicles in their parking lots and garages. If you drive an electric vehicle or are considering one for your next vehicle purchase, be sure to ask what charging options are available for you as a building resident.
What to Look For
When viewing an apartment or condo that you may be considering for your next place to call home, there are certain things you can look for yourself without needing to ask any questions at all.
- If viewing the apartment or condo during the winter, notice if it feels very cold or drafty — especially near windows and doors.
- If viewing the apartment or condo during the summer, notice if it feels very hot and stuffy.
- Take a careful look at the appliances to see if they are labeled with the blue ENERGY STAR® label.
- If you’re viewing an apartment or condo in a building with more than 20 units, look for an ENERGY STAR® building score. The closer the score is to 100, the better! If you are viewing a unit in New York City, you will see an A-D letter grade that corresponds to the building’s Building Energy Efficiency Rating .
You Might Also Be Interested In
Once you're settled in your apartment or condo, consider maximizing energy savings in your new home with these additional programs and resources:
- Community Solar: Community solar lets New Yorkers access the benefits of clean energy without having to purchase or install their own solar panels. By joining a community solar plan, you can receive credits on your electric utility bill that help you save money.
- NY Energy Advisor : By answering a few questions, income-eligible New Yorkers can access a custom list of energy-saving offers and programs.
- Offers for Your Landlord or Co-op: There are programs and funding offers available that can help make your apartment or condo more energy efficient when your landlord, housing co-op, or condo association takes advantage of them.
- Regional Clean Energy Hubs: Your Regional Clean Energy Hub can help you access local information on new opportunities to benefit from New York’s transition to clean energy, including ways to save, green career opportunities, and more!
For a full list of residential programs, visit our energy programs and incentives page.
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