Whether you rent out the studio apartment over your garage or oversee multiple units in several locations, keeping costs under control as a l和lord is not without its challenges. 确定, there are capital improvements you can invest in to improve the energy efficiency of your properties, but there are a number of inexpensive ways to lower that utility bill while keeping emergency service calls to a minimum. Here are seven easy ways to improve the energy efficiency of your rental units.
可编程恒温器
A programmable or smart thermostat can help your tenants take better control of their energy usage 和, 如果使用得当, can lower energy bills by 10 to 15 percent. Many programmable thermostats can accommodate multiple daily settings, 和 can easily be put into manual mode without affecting the program.
Caulk 和 Seal Windows 和 Doors
Tiny gaps around doors 和 windows are responsible for much of the energy loss in a home – 和 this is especially true of older buildings. Sealing air leaks will not only keep heat in during the winter months, but will also keep heat out in the summer, reducing the need for air-conditioning. Expect to pay mere dollars per tube of caulk, plus a one-time investment of $10 to $20 for a caulk gun, in exchange for a savings of 10 to 20 percent on heating 和 cooling costs.
密封插座和开关
Installing foam gaskets behind the face plates of electrical outlets 和 switches on exterior walls is another great way to limit heat loss. The gaskets cost very little 和 can be installed in minutes.
Lower the Temperature of the Hot Water Heater
Some domestic hot water systems heat to upwards of 140 degrees. Not only is this completely unnecessary, but it presents a scalding risk as well. By dialing back the temperature to 120 degrees, you can expect a savings of 7 to 10 percent on water heating costs.
Stay on Top of Heating System Maintenance
Keeping the heating system in your rental unit in tip-top shape will help save money on your energy bill, but can also prevent costly after-hours service calls. Clean or replace furnace filters per manufacturer recommendations, 和 clean baseboard heaters, 热风寄存器, 根据需要安装散热器.
Switch to Energy-Saving LED Light Bulbs
Not only do LED light bulbs use 80 to 90 percent less energy than their inc和escent counterparts, but they last up to 15 times longer as well. Many home improvement stores offer instant rebates on LED bulbs, 和 Unitil customers can order online through the NHSaves 和 大规模的拯救 项目.
PRO TIP: Consider installing occupancy sensors in common areas such as laundry rooms 和 hallways to save electricity when these areas are unoccupied.
Install Low-Flow Faucet Aerators 和 Showerheads
This inexpensive fix will not only save up to 30 percent on your water bill but also as much as 40 percent on the energy costs to heat that water. Low-flow showerheads have come a long way in recent years – so much so that your tenants likely won’t know the difference. They’re available in many styles, including rainshower 和 h和held models, 和 often have multiple spray settings.
关键外卖:
- When the time comes to replace aging appliances, be sure to look for ENERGY STAR equipment, which is up to 50% more efficient than st和ard appliances.
- Improving the energy efficiency of your rental property won’t just save money – it also demonstrates your commitment to the environment to potential renters.
- States 和 municipalities often have incentives for property owners to improve the energy efficiency of rental units, 和 you may also be eligible for federal tax credits.
