~ guest post by Adam Pepka

More and more folks are renting these days and eco-friendly rentals are in high demand. Millennials, are more conscious of the environment than ever, while others may just want to save money. Fortunately, energy efficient upgrades will help both the landlords AND tenants save money in the long run.

If you are a landlord, please consider
these six energy efficient upgrades

1. Install good insulation.

   Looking for a way to keep your home warm without raising the bill? Invest in insulation. There are a lot of insulation products that are made from recycled waste material. Fiberglass is usually made out of recycled glass, while cellulose is drawn from recycled newsprint. This material is installed within the walls of homes, and particularly in the ceiling. If you live in a multi-story home, you will want to especially insulate the upper floors.

2. Invest in a water-efficient landscaping.

   
   Many states are currently experiencing moderate to severe drought. The need to preserve water has become so vital that California, offers turf replacement rebates helping property owners invest in water saving landscaping. In drought-prone areas, such as southern California, many are replacing previously lush green lawns with native plants, such as succulents and cacti. The effect is a beautiful and unique landscape. In fact, many landscapers now specialize in drought-resistant landscaping. Not only is this better for the environment, but it will be easier on your pocket book as well in the long run.
   

3. Use a digital, programmable thermostat.

   
   We live in a digital age, but not everyone has a digital thermostat. Some are designed to use in conjunction with a cell phone, and allow for remote programming. Most digital thermostats allow for specific scheduling of temperature changes. Tenants will really appreciate this feature, especially if they are responsible for the energy bills!

4. Install high-efficiency water heaters.

   
   There are two big draws to a high-efficiency water heater. An eco-friendly water heater will help you cut back on the bills, while helping the environment. You don’t have to take a cold shower! In order to pick the right energy-efficient water heater, it’s important to consider the needs of the specific property. Energy Star is a government-backed model that is proven to be extremely reliable and trusted.

5. Install solar panels.

   
   Solar energy is not as expensive to install as you might think! Advancement in solar panel technology saves energy and money. The average home in San Diego can save approximately $26,000 over a twenty-year solar lease with no upfront cost. In many cities, it is much more cost-effective to go solar, and further advancements are only going to make the technology more efficient and easier to afford over time.

   

6. Seal all leaks.

   
   Any unplugged nook or cranny will let in cold air and wind, and let precious heat leave. Save more money by sealing leaks around doors and windows. Take a trip up to your attic or down into your basement as well to make sure all cracks are properly sealed to keep you from wasting more energy and money in the future.

If you are a landlord, remember that investing money into greener products and services, you will want a quality tenant to look after your property. Be sure that you perform proper eviction searches and credit checks. 

Please check out our YouTube channel to see our short, funny and useful 1 GD Minute videos with recipes and DIY tutorials. Here’s a recent one…

And if you want to learn more about the content of this video, please read the corresponding post!

 [dynamic-sidebar id=’Custom Widget 2′]

Adam Pepka is a real estate doyenne and finance guru currently residing in Tucson, Arizona. His real estate investments in several states keep him constantly on the go, and his passion for writing has found him penning pieces with unique insights on everything from landlording issues to investment advice.