If you own single-family rental property, you probably want to limit the expenses associated with your property, increase the value of your property and the rental price, as well as reduce maintenance issues. You can achieve all the above by optimizing energy efficiency in your rental property. Here are some tips on how to save energy in a rental property as well as optimize your profit:
Choose Energy-efficient Appliances
You’re likely not responsible for supplying all of your tenants’ appliances, but for the appliances that you need to provide, you should opt for the ones that are the most energy-efficient. The most energy-efficient appliances are usually those that are Energy Star rated. Compared to standard appliances, Energy Star appliances can be more water and energy-efficient by up to 50%. So they’ll not only save you money, but they’ll also attract eco-conscious tenants. Besides, by installing newer and efficient appliances, your house will look nicer and this will, in turn, increase its value.
Lower Cooling and Heating Costs
For the average American household, cooling and heating costs account for about 50% of utility costs. This means that for you to make significant energy savings in your property, you need to ensure your HVAC system is energy efficient. This means you should:
- Replace the exhaust fans in the utility closets, bathrooms, and kitchens with high-efficiency, low-noise models.
- Insulate and seal all heating ducts.
- Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between the radiators and exterior wall
- Clean and replace the furnace and AC reflectors as recommended by the manufacturers.
- Seal the gaps in doors and windows using caulk.
- Install light-blocking curtains to prevent the circulation of extra heat indoors.
- Install smart thermostat which will prevent wasteful heating and cooling
Install LED Energy-Efficient Bulbs
To save energy in lighting, you should replace the traditional incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient LED lights. LED lights can last 3 to 25 times longer compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Many of them can also be brightness and color-controlled and thus offer a wide range of options for creating a delightful ambiance. In addition, Energy Star-rated LED lights use up to 90% less energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, while offering the same illumination.
Finally, it can also be very helpful to hire a reputable property management company that will ensure your property remains in great condition. At Specialized Property Management Atlanta, we do just that. We also make sure that any maintenance issues that may increase energy consumption are sorted as soon as possible. For more information or to get a quote, call us at 404-596-8429 or contact us online today!
