When you are a landlord, you always think of a better way to lower the energy consumption in your rental. You have the advantage if you’re fortunate enough to be own an apartment with insulated concrete panels or other energy-saving construction. However, if the building your property is located in was constructed many years ago, you can still increase its energy-efficiency and lower the amount of energy consumed. Below are some of the best tricks to lower energy consumption in your rental property and help keep your tenant’s monthly utility down. 

Windows with holes or small openings are the leading cause of why energy consumption is high. If windows aren’t fitted correctly or aren’t sealed perfectly, your tenant will be paying way more than they should on their energy bill. It is because any openings in a window can allow outside air to come inside the home. Whether you are trying to cool or warm the space in the home, if the outside air penetrates the window, it will add to the overall energy consumption. 

You can try simple window weatherproofing, which isn’t complicated to do. You can buy window sealing caulk online or from your favorite hardware store. Then you can DIY and seal the windows and close up any openings or cracks to make sure the windows aren’t letting in any outside air. 

When you install a smart thermostat, you can save on electricity costs. This type of thermostat will allow your tenant to control the temperature from any of their smart devices. The benefit that you can get with this thermostat is that it can be programmed to run only when a person needs it to run. For example, you can set the temperature higher during a time when you’re away, and it will start to cool down when you come back home. 

Since it can be controlled with the use of a smart device, it’s also fantastic for those times when the system is accidentally left running while at work or away on vacation. 

It’s no surprise that your heating and cooling system is why most electric bills are so high. These higher bills are more likely to occur when the weather is extremely hot or incredibly cold. There’s nothing you can do to minimize running your system, but you can get it to run more efficiently. 

One of the tricks to lower energy consumption in your rental is to make the system run more efficiently by changing the air filters regularly. A dirty filter puts stress on the HVAC system, which can cause it to work harder and add to the overall energy consumption. For optimum efficiency, it’s best to replace air filters every three months. Be sure to maintain quarterly change outs, or leave a supply for your tenants to install regularly themselves.

If you want to offer your tenants the advantage of lower electricity costs, replace all your electric bulbs with LED energy-efficient light bulbs. There is about 5% of total electricity consumption that goes to home lighting. LED bulbs are not only more energy-efficient, but they also generate less heat. If you live in a hot climate, your standard light bulbs could be running up the temperature in your home, causing your air conditioner to work harder. 

Additionally, LED light bulbs can last up to ten years. So, even if it costs you a little more, you won’t have to replace them for a long time. 

Explaining to your tenants some easy ways to adjust their habits may end up saving them a few extra bucks every month in energy usage as well.

We all probably have some bad habits such as forgetting to turn off lights, shut off the faucet, or to neglect unplugging some appliances. Be sure to turn off any item when it’s not in use. 

Another trick to lower energy consumption in your rental is to suggest turning the thermostat up or down a few degrees. Use your microwave instead of your stove when possible because it consumes less electricity, and it doesn’t heat the rest of the house.  

If there is a washer and dryer in your rental property, remind tenants to try to avoid washing just a few items at a time. . Avoiding these habits can add up in the long run and can help lower energy costs substantially. 

When you follow these great tricks to lower energy consumption in your rental, you will realize there are many ways to cut your energy consumption. By making a few simple changes, you can market your property to prospective tenants as being more energy efficient. Knowing that they may save more money every month on their utility bill will help make your property stand out above the rest on the rental market.

If you would like more tips on how to make your rental more attractive to prospective tenants in the Branson area, call Thousand Hills Realty at (417) 337-8081. We are Branson’s premier property management company and we would love the opportunity to manage your property.