Energy efficiency is crucial as we work towards a more sustainable future. Not only does it reduce environmental impact, but it also enhances living conditions.
As bills continue to skyrocket, saving up on electricity will help improve budgets. Besides, a sustainable lifestyle is often healthier and more comfortable.
For landlords, investing in energy efficiency measures for your rental properties could help in the long run. Some benefits include long-term savings on energy costs and even a better reputation among tenants.
In this article, we will explore a few measures landlords can consider in making more energy-efficient rental properties.
Energy Efficiency: 7 Sustainable Measures for Rental Properties
1. Install a Smart Meter
An excellent way to start saving energy is by having a visual indicator. Through remote connection with the energy supply, the smart meter is a device that can accurately record energy usage.
Additionally, some offer mobile applications to make viewing the information more accessible. Moreover, others may provide direct top-up services instead of the traditional monthly bills.
Both landlords and tenants can make use of this device to figure out several things. This includes the average daily usage on an individual level – especially in a co-living property.
With such insights, landlords can gauge if the usage is unreasonably high and evaluate appliance costs to calculate long-term running costs, which can help them assess the need for upgrades.
2. Seal Air Leaks Around the House
Another energy efficiency measure for landlords to focus on is ensuring the property is air-sealed appropriately. Cracks and gaps around the property can reduce indoor heating and cooling effectiveness, leading to increased energy consumption.
For example, cool air from the air conditioner can leak out through these gaps, making it more difficult to keep the room cool and use up more energy than it should.
For this reason, landlords should opt for property inspection services to check for defects before renting out the property.
3. Install Tint Films on Windows and Sliding Doors
The next energy-efficient step is to install quality tint films on the windows and sliding doors around the house. Like car tints, these films can help reduce the amount of sunlight entering the room and heating it up.
This is especially crucial for houses designed with big windows and sliding doors. Not only that it can minimise air-conditioner usage, but it also protects the tenant from direct UV light that has been proven to cause several health problems.
Aside from saving energy, this little extra measure can significantly improve the living conditions for tenants. This, in return, would ultimately improve your reputation as the landlord.
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4. Substitute the Lights with LEDs
An equally important feature a landlord should consider for energy efficiency is LED lighting.
Many opt to use LED light bulbs because they are designed for cost efficiency and energy saving. This makes it a great long-term cost investment.
When compared to CFL and incandescent light, LED:
- Is cheaper
- Generates less heat
- Has a longer lifespan
- Flexible in colours, shapes and sizes
While most recent properties use LED lighting by default, it is worth checking the lighting and slowly replacing them with LED if necessary.
5. Provide Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances can also reduce costs and save energy. Hence, landlords who provide furnished properties can consider investing in eco-friendly appliances.
These appliances are specifically designed to save electricity and water through smart technology. Refrigerators and washing machines are the most common home appliances with this feature.
Because energy-efficient appliances come with smart technology, their overall designs are usually more convenient for consumers. This could interest tenants, especially those who are particular about these issues.
Fortunately, it is easy to find these appliances because being energy-efficient is often their main selling point.
6. Offer Regular Appliance Maintenance
Landlords can further save energy with regular appliance maintenance. Depending on the contract, landlords can provide repair and maintenance services for the tenants with the help of property managers.
Home appliances will eventually collect dust and dirt in their vents and filters. Consequently, this strains their process, making them use extra energy to achieve the expected result.
With tenants’ help, landlords can plan routine services for appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and water heaters. Other than saving energy, this could extend the lifespan of the appliances, which is highly beneficial in the long run.
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7. Install Solar Panels
Lastly, installing solar panels is the most expensive measure landlords can take to make their rental properties more energy-efficient.
Because of our tropical weather, solar panels become one of the most eco-friendly alternatives to coal-based electricity. More usage of renewable energy sources reduces the need for power plants, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
According to Malaysia’s Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Yeo Bee Yin, in 2019, approximately 4.12 million buildings have solar rooftop potential.
Nonetheless, landlords should be aware that installing solar panels requires much planning. It is also worth noting that Malaysia’s government is implementing initiatives to encourage solar panel installation in more houses.
Tenants Also Play a Role in Saving Energy
Aside from all of these adjustments and installations, tenants can also make the rental property more energy-efficient. While they cannot make large changes to the house, they can contribute through sustainable habits.
Some things tenants can do to save energy are:
- Make use of natural light and breeze by opening the window and curtains during the day.
- Check to see if no lights or fans are turned on in an empty room.
- Close the curtains and shades to keep the house cooler during hot weather.
- Switch off appliances when not in use.
- Turn off the plugs when charging is done.
- Reduce hot water usage for showering and washing clothes.
- Defrost the refrigerator and freezer regularly and set the temperature as the manufacturer has advised.
- Use the washing machine for one big batch of laundry instead of multiple smaller ones.
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Property Management Made Simpler
Ultimately, creating energy-efficient rental properties is a collective effort. Opting for a sustainable lifestyle can save our environment and lead to a better future. Let’s reduce our carbon footprint together.
Need help with property management? Rumah-i can provide the services fitting your need.
Whether you’re a tenant planning to move or a landlord wanting to rent out their property, our free Home Renting App on Google Play and App Store can be the solution you’re looking for.
