Energy-Saving Tips for Fall: How Apartment Renters Can Keep Utility Bills in Check

As fall arrives and temperatures drop, you might notice a spike in your utility bills with winter just around the corner. If you're looking to save a little cash money, here are some practical energy-saving tips to help keep your utility costs down as we head into the colder months.

5 TIPS FOR ENERGY SAVINGS

Optimize Your Apartment’s Heating

We might be biased, but we have the best techs in town (and our residents seem to agree)! If you have any heating issues or drafts that need attention, submit a work order. We’ll ensure your heating system and windows are ready for the impending doom... I mean... winter temperatures.

Utilize Natural Heat

Open blinds or curtains during sunny days to let in natural warmth and close them at night to retain heat. Moving your couch or chairs near windows can also help you take advantage of that sunny warmth. These small steps can lead to significant savings.

Reduce Water Usage

Be mindful of your water use: take shorter showers, turn off the water while brushing your teeth, and lower your shower temperature slightly. Ensure faucets are not leaking. These are all things that are also great for the environment. Remember - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Adjust Your Thermostat Settings

Lower the temperature on your thermostat by a few degrees to save on heating costs. Small adjustments can lead to significant savings over time. Layer up to stay warm—fuzzy socks and blankets are the best fall attire, right?

Unplug Unused Electronics

Even when turned off, plugged-in electronics use energy—a phenomenon known as phantom power. Unplug devices and chargers when not in use to avoid this unnecessary energy drain. Power strips can help you easily disconnect multiple devices at once. And yes, if your coffee maker is on a timer, keep that plugged in—we need everyone to stay properly caffeinated!

By following these tips, you can effectively reduce energy consumption and keep your utility bills in check as fall and winter approach. Start implementing these strategies today and share any additional energy-saving tips you have with others or in the comments section.

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Meet Sydney Schultz: Turning Experience Into Opportunity

By - - • February 4, 2026

For Sydney Schultz, no two days in property management ever look the same. That’s exactly how she likes it. “Every day is different. It’s full of surprises,” she says. “The best part is the direct contact with residents. That’s how you build relationships and build real community.” Sydney joined Collective in May 2021 and has steadily grown within the company through hands-on experience, curiosity, and a commitment to learning. Sydney’s path to property management began at NDSU, where she studied management communication with a minor in tourism and hospitality. While still a student, she launched her career in the industry as a community assistant in student housing at The Bridges. That early role sharpened her interpersonal communication skills and confirmed she thrives in fast-moving, people-centered environments. Since August 2025, Sydney has helped co-manage Dakota Park Apartments in South Fargo. As one of the largest communities in the portfolio, communication and organization are everything. “This position fits how I like to operate,” she says. “I’m detail-oriented and organized. I care about standards and doing things the right way. Every experience is an opportunity to learn something.” Sydney’s mindset proved to be exactly what was needed during a recent two-week re-keying project at Dakota Park . With 419 units, common areas, garages, and entrances, the project was a massive logistical effort that required tight coordination with residents and vendors. “I was seeing keys in my dreams,” she laughs. “But seeing everything come together was incredibly rewarding.” Even on mornings that start with water leaks, sewer gas concerns, or unexpected maintenance issues, Sydney keeps her focus on what matters most: residents. She’s especially proud of creating personalized move-in gifts that help residents feel at home from day one. Small details, she says, make a big difference. “I genuinely care about resident retention. I want people to love where they live and stay with us as long as possible.” Sydney believes great teams are what make difficult days manageable. “A strong team is vital in this job. I think of myself as a mentor more than a manager. When people support each other, we’re able to create better experiences for residents.” That team-first mindset is one reason she’s stepping into her next chapter at Collective as an Operations Support Specialist. Sydney sees the transition as another opportunity to grow. “I’m excited to keep learning,” she says. “Especially working with our other regions and pursuing certifications in Montana and South Dakota. I want to become fully certified in property management.” Outside of work, travel is Sydney’s reset button. She and her husband, Austin, make it a point to take an annual trip together, often returning to places that shaped her early life growing up in the Mountain West. Her favorite trips include spots like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. Yellowstone is particularly special as it’s where her husband proposed. In the end, the culture is what keeps her here at Collective. “A good team makes even a bad day here better than a good day anywhere else.”