Do you own or rent a property? Energy-saving interests and benefits both sides of the lease agreement.
Landlords have the responsibility of ensuring that the building is energy efficient. However, tenants can take practical steps for energy conservation as well.
Tenants need to be cautious when trying to save energy. Even caulking around windows may result in a lease violation. They should notify the landlord or property management before modifying anything on-premises.
In this article, we’ll go over the top tips for saving energy in a rental property.
For Landlords
1. Install economical showerheads
Did you know that changing the showerheads could save money? Low-flow showerheads use less water compared to regular showerheads. You’ll save energy and cut down on utility expenses.
Over time, these small differences add up. People spend a surprisingly long time in a shower. That’s why it’s a good idea to switch the showerheads before welcoming new renters on your property.
2. Increase cooling and heating efficiency
Cooling and heating make up a significant amount of any utility bill. You should find ways to make your temperature regulation equipment more efficient. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- Replace HVAC filters on a regular basis. Clean the HVAC unit in every 3-4 months. Clean HVAC unit will also help with mold issues and overall air quality.
- Caulk all the windows and doors to prevent unwanted temperature loss or gain.
- Invest in blackout curtains. These stop additional heat circulation in your rental unit.
- Switch exhaust fans to newer models that are more efficient compared to the older ones.
- Insulate the heating ducts in the property.
3. Analyze the details
Where can you find the details for your energy use? The simplest solution is to focus on utility bills. Track the numbers and compare them to the averages in homes similar to your rental property.
Discovering huge increases in energy use should make you cautious. When you find anything unusual, it’s time for further investigation. You might identify issues that will save you significant sums when corrected.
4. Check your appliances
Evaluate your appliances by ensuring they are energy efficient. Check for the “Energy Star” rating on the appliances. If you aren’t sure about a particular appliance’s efficiency, you can use Google search to find more information.
Another approach is setting the appliances to maximum efficiency modes, if possible. You should ask your tenants not to change these settings.
5. Opt for power saving light bulbs
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to save energy. Check out the following options:
- LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) – LEDs are more costly, yet they save you money in the long run. Plus, they have a nice lifespan of around 40,000 hours.
- CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) – CFLs use less power compared to incandescent lightbulbs. The level of light is good, and they don’t get very hot.
- Halogens – Compared to incandescent bulbs, they last longer. But they don’t offer energy savings as CFLs and LEDs do.
For Tenants
Tenants have less control over the energy efficiency of their rental property. Still, there are ways to cut energy costs. As a renter, you could try any of the following tips to cut energy use:
- Give the air conditioner a break, open your windows and use a fan instead.
- Unplug your devices when not in use. The blue light on your computer screen may not cost that much alone. But when you consider all the devices in your home, the expenses add up.
- Set your fridge to 36 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Check for air drafts. Tell your landlord immediately after discovering any air drafts. These are bad for your utility bills.
- Turn down the temperature on your water heater. Even 10 degrees can result in considerable savings over time.
- When cooking, cover the pots and pans. This minimizes heat escaping and uses less gas.
- Refrain from preheating your oven unless you are baking.
- Find out if your thermostat is programmable. You are able to set a variety of temperatures depending on the time of the day.
- Maximize natural daylight whenever possible.
- Set your freezer to 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
The bottom line: Energy saving for tenants and landlords
Energy saving is an important task for renters and landlords alike. Both sides benefit from more energy-efficient living solutions.
As a landlord, think about what the bigger structural changes you can make for lower energy consumption. Keep an eye on the utility bills and analyze the wider trends.
Tenants can take practical steps to reduce energy use. Anything from optimizing your fridge to maximizing natural light helps to cut back on unnecessary energy loss.