5 Methods for Sustainable Living in Rental Properties

Are you looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint at home? Do you wonder if going green has benefits that can help you sell your house? If your answer to these questions is yes, you’re at the right place.

This article delves into 5 unique methods for sustainable living in rental properties. Whether you’re a landlord or tenant looking to cut your bills, you’ll find some convenient solutions here. Also, stick around to see the benefits of one of the most popular environmentally-friendly solutions.

5 Methods for Sustainable Living in Rental Properties

 

1.   Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances

One of the best ways to live sustainably is to opt for energy-efficient appliances. You’ll find that most tech brands carry energy-efficient models designed to consume less power than their regular counterparts. These often apply to equipment like washing machines, dishwashers, coffee makers, etc. For example, an energy-efficient washer-dryer could save the property owner of multi-family complex thousands of dollars in electricity in a year. Thus, these models can even pay off in a couple of years.

As a tenant, it might not be as easy for you to swap to greener appliances. However, you can opt for minor upgrades like LED bulbs that last longer and use less power.

2.   Reduce Your Heating and Cooling Bill

Cooling and heating in the average American household take up a chunk of the total energy usage. In most homes, it can account for as high as 47%. Hence, monitoring your temperature would go a long in making your house more sustainable.

One of the most effective ways to cut your bills is by swapping to a smart thermostat. These tools automatically adjust the room’s temperature depending on the weather conditions outside. You can also control them from your smartphone, so you don’t have to rush back if you leave the heater on. Discuss the long-term benefits of these upgrades with your trusted property manager.

3.   Save More Water with Low-Flow Options

Another great way to live sustainably is to save more water where you can. Bathrooms and kitchens often see the most use, so it makes sense to start there. But first, opt for low-flow taps that are easy to buy and install. This hardware which fits on your sinks, reduces the quantity of water per minute without limiting your efficiency.

Thus, you can install this automatic restriction instead of asking everyone to take shorter showers. You can also buy such sustainable options for your outdoor taps. In the long run, you’ll save the planet a lot of usable water, reduce your water bill and save more money.

4.   Buy a Few Houseplants

If you’re on a budget, then go green. Adding a few houseplants to your interior is a low-cost way of indulging in sustainable living. Plants are great for the environment as they help filter the air and even reduce the temperature. They also absorb excess carbon dioxide and release fresh oxygen, making the air at the home cleaner.

Houseplants also go well with whatever decor you have in mind. Thus, as a landlord, it can be an efficient way to attract new renters. But on the other hand, tenants can also make this addition without asking their property owners.

5.   Go for Renewable Energy Options

Finally, opt for a different form of energy if you want to leave a much smaller carbon footprint. Talk with your utility provider about switching to renewable energy in particular. May providers have such options available for users that include tapping the power of solar panels, wind, or hydro dams.

In the event your provider doesn’t run such services, they might still be able to let you tap into a renewable grid. Thus, even if you cannot wholly whine yourself off the need for carbon fuels, you can still significantly reduce it.

Benefits of Solar Panels

 

1.   It Significantly Reduces Your Electric Bill

One of the most obvious benefits of solar panels is that it significantly reduces your electric bill. If you live in a state with a fair amount of sunshine, you can generate enough electricity during the day to power your entire house.

2.   You Can Earn Tax Credits

Another benefit of owning a solar panel is that plenty of federal initiatives encourage going green. For instance, the government offers users a 30% return on equipment and installation costs. You can also sign up to be part of the grid, which sells renewable energy to other users.

3.   It Generates Clean Energy

Finally, solar panels generate clean energy. Unlike fossil fuels which release several toxins into the atmosphere, solar depends on the sun. Thus, they give off little to no harmful waste that pollutes our planet.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a tenant or landlord, we should all strive to be more environmentally aware. Unfortunately, some people might shy away from going green because they assume it’s tedious and time-consuming. However, with these 5 methods for sustainable living in rental properties we’ve outlined, you can see it’s not that difficult.

Changes like energy-efficient appliances, low-flow water options, and houseplants are often one-off costs requiring low maintenance. Besides, many of them can also save you money in the long run. Switching to solar panels, in particular, is a great way to cut your electric bill while earning a tax credit. But, overall, knowing that you’re contributing a fair quota to saving our planet is a reward too.