Searching for the best energy saving tips for apartment owners or renters? While more and more homeowners are taking steps to save money on their energy bills these days, there are many ways rental property owners (and their tenants) can improve their rental unit’s energy efficiency as well! Let’s go through a few of them…
Utilize Programmable Thermostats
While tenants may have difficulty finding a property they can alter to make more energy-efficient, landlords can provide some tools to help give their renters control over their energy consumption. Consider installing programmable thermostats – a relatively inexpensive investment that can help tenants reduce their monthly energy bill (and carbon footprint) by enabling them to save on heating or cooling when they are not home. For example, if the tenant leaves for work each day at 8 am and returns at 6 pm, they can program their thermostat to reduce the heat or air conditioning during that period and change the temperature back to the desired level shortly before the renter is due to return home each day.
Check and Seal All Doors and Windows
Another energy saving tip for apartments is to make sure all doors and windows are properly sealed. It is good to check your rental properties regularly for drafty windows and doors, especially in older properties. Foundations and frames can settle, causing gaps, and older sealant or caulk can break down over time, leaving spaces for air to seep into the home or unit. As air leaks, the heating or cooling system works harder to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in higher energy consumption (and bills) that can be prevented. In addition to doors and windows, it is also good to check crawl space entrances and plumbing fixtures for any leaks.
Eliminate the Use of Phantom Energy
Some people may not realize that electronics and appliances still draw power when plugged in, even when they are not turned “on.” So, in essence, tenants (or property owners, if they reside in or use their own space for offices) end up paying for electricity they didn’t even use – these are referred to as phantom charges. This can be prevented by encouraging renters to unplug electronics and appliances when not in use to save on their energy bills. As the landlord, you can also encourage the use of or provide power strips to prevent phantom charges, lower energy bills, and prevent power surges from lighting all at once!
Replace Furnace and Air Conditioning Filters
HVAC systems are expensive equipment that the property owner is usually responsible for maintaining. A great way to help a rental unit or apartment save energy is to ensure you keep your heating and cooling systems in good condition by replacing the air filters. Each furnace or air conditioner brand will have its own recommended settings, so it’s a good idea to check the manual or speak to a professional. By regularly changing the filters in your systems, you can help the units run as efficiently as possible while ensuring clean air is distributed throughout the home or unit. With efficient heating and cooling systems, you can count on fewer repairs down the road, and your tenant can count on a smaller energy bill!
Change Hot Water Settings
The most sustainable rental properties should have tankless hot water heaters. Still, even if you have an older, tank-based system, you can adjust it to help the unit save energy consumption in the apartment and the renter reduce their energy bill.
Often, hot water heaters can be set to temperatures that are much hotter than anyone ever would need. Have you ever turned on the tap or shower to feel scalding hot water? The default temperature on most hot water heaters is 140 degrees, but you can consider turning that temperature down to 130 or 120 degrees. This will save a lot of energy and money in the long run because this is the temperature the hot water heater is constantly working to maintain. If you have an older hot water heater on your rental property, it may have to work harder to struggle to maintain the desired temperature. If this is the case, you can also consider wrapping it in an insulated sleeve to help the tank stay warm.
Clean Refrigerator Coils
Rental units do not always have the most high-end appliances, but steps can still be taken to ensure the efficiency and longevity of items like the refrigerator. Being a significant energy user, it is essential to maintain refrigerators, so they run efficiently and quietly. As the landlord, you can clean the refrigerator coils regularly to reduce corrosion over time and the build-up of dust and other debris.
Energy Efficiency is Possible for Rental Units
While the energy bill is usually the tenant’s responsibility in a rented property, there are still many energy saving tips that the property owner can take advantage of to help their tenants save money on their energy bills and reduce their property’s overall energy usage.
Have questions on energy bills and consumption? Contact Indra Energy today!
