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.

Meet Jade Wahl: Jade of All Trades

May 7, 2026
Jade Wahl loves the kind of environment where most people would probably feel overwhelmed. “I thrive in chaos,” Jade said. “Every day brings something new.” Her career in property management started about eight years ago in Bismarck as a leasing agent before being promoted into a property manager role where she oversaw properties and the people who keep them running. Through connections from a previous job, she was introduced to Collective and shifted her focus to a different side of property management: Learning and Development Specialist. It was natural given her experience in supporting team members. "I love the relationships I get to create with each of our team members."
Tori Madilia with mountains and a lake in the background

Meet Tori Madilia: Building Relationships at Farmstead

April 28, 2026
Tori Madilia grew up nearly 2,000 miles from Billings, but the path that brought her to Farmstead is less random than it might seem. After making the move to the Treasure State to be closer to her boyfriend, Tori got a career nudge from someone who knew her well. Her best friend back home happened to be a community manager and had a feeling she might enjoy property management. He encouraged her to give it a try. “My best friend back home thought I’d do well at it,” Tori said. “He was right. I knew from the get-go I’d be a good fit here.”

Meet Thomas Janis: Keeping 10Bedrock Looking Great

By - - • April 21, 2026
Thomas Janis has been working in maintenance for nearly 8 years, learning as he goes and picking things up from the people around him. Today, he serves as a Senior Maintenance Technician at 10Bedrock Apartments in Box Elder, South Dakota. He is a proud member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe , a revered culture known for a deep sense of responsibility to others. Spend just a few minutes around Thomas and you’ll quickly see what matters to him. “My culture is based on warriors helping the community strive,” he said. “I carry that into my work.”
A new pool table in the updated community room at Dakota Park

Giving Dakota Park a Refresh for Residents

By - - • April 17, 2026
Dakota Park isn’t new to Fargo. With a few thoughtful, resident-focused updates, it’s getting even better. The community first opened in 1996 and is noteworthy as one of the largest communities in Fargo, one of the first to feature underground parking, and one of the first to have an indoor pool. It’s no surprise that many residents have chosen to call Dakota Park for decades. It truly does have everything you need. It’s been a few months since we welcomed Dakota Park into the Collective portfolio, and it’s quickly become a favorite among our team. In that time, they’ve come up with some great ideas to make it even better.

Meet Ryan Sullivan: Minneapolis' Mr. Fix-It

By - - • April 13, 2026
Ryan Sullivan found his way into property management when opportunity and timing aligned perfectly. Like a lot of people in 2020, Ryan found himself looking for something new. His wife, knowing how good he was at fixing things, encouraged him to look into a role with Presbyterian Homes. What started as a maintenance position quickly turned into a career as he worked his way up to second in command at one of the largest senior living locations in the state of Minnesota. Today, Ryan serves as a Senior Maintenance Technician at ElseWarehouse and The Copham in Minneapolis’ North Loop.
Custom coasters featuring The Copham logo and a street map of Minneapolis' North Loop neighborhood

ICYMI: The Copham Welcome Week

By - - • April 10, 2026
Collective recently expanded its presence in Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood when it added The Copham in March. The Copham is a historic warehouse turned apartment community located on Washington Avenue just down the block from Collective’s ElseWarehous e. With its modern-meets-industrial style and a location in the heart of one of Minneapolis’ most vibrant neighborhoods, The Copham is a natural fit for the Collective portfolio.
Collective team members at Bowl For Kids' Sake, hosted by the Village Family Service Center in Fargo

Time Well Spent: Giving Back Across Collective

By - - • April 1, 2026
Giving back is not treated as an afterthought at Collective. Team are encouraged to spend time away from the office for causes that matter to them personally.
The Copham, located on Washington Avenue in Minneapolis, during a sunset

The Copham: Another Great North Loop Building

March 17, 2026
Collective is pleased to announce the addition of The Copham, a 120-unit apartment community located on Washington Avenue in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Whispering Creek is 55 and older independent living community in Fargo, North Dakota

Discover Carefree Living at Whispering Creek

By - - • March 6, 2026
Discover 55+ independent living at Whispering Creek in Fargo. Enjoy underground parking, resident-led activities, and maintenance-free living. Schedule a tour today.

Kayla Goebel Nominated for YWCA Women of the Year

By - - • March 3, 2026
Inclusion is more than a performative buzzword for Kayla Goebel. She lives it. Kayla, creative strategist for Collective/Great States, was recently nominated for YWCA’s Women of the Year for Advocating for Equality. Kayla’s story isn’t about one big moment, but a thousand small ones that quietly (and permanently) changed lives for the better. A Life Rooted in Inclusion If you only looked at Kayla’s resume, you would assume she is busy (and you would be right). You would see Creative Strategist. Shop crew member. Small business owner. Volunteer. Student. Proud mom to Aurora.