We all have to do our part to help the planet. If you own an investment property, and you’re looking for ways to go green, here are a few simple tips to help you reduce your energy usage and save money at the same time.

Energy-Saving Appliances

If you have old, outdated appliances in your rental property, it may be time to upgrade. There are all kinds of new technologies on the market today that can help you reduce your utility bills and save energy. From refrigerators to dishwashers to heat pumps, every appliance in your home can now be upgraded to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste.  

Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is designed to adjust temperatures according to programmed settings to take effect at different times of the day or week. Programmable thermostats are a great way to prevent excess heat or A/C from being used where they are not needed — conserving energy and saving money in the process. If your resident works at a particular time or goes to bed at a certain hour, you can adjust the temperature accordingly or ask the resident to do it themselves.  

Drought Tolerant Landscaping

Drought tolerant landscaping refers to growing plants, shrubs, and trees that require minimal water or rainfall. This can be especially useful — if not mandatory — in arid climates where there are frequent dry seasons without much rain.

Drought tolerant landscaping requires far less water and therefore can help you cut back on your monthly water bill without leaving your property looking disheveled and uncared for. Common drought-tolerant plants include thyme, lavender, cacti, succulents, zoysiagrass, and aster. You should consult a professional landscaper on the best vegetation for your area. But drought-tolerant landscaping can be a great way to avoid wasting water.  

Solar Panels

Installing solar panels on your investment property can be a great way to use sustainable energy sources to power the home. Homeowners can even claim a solar tax credit for upgrading their property to rely on renewable energy systems. The Solar Tax Credit allows property owners to deduct up to 26% of the cost of the upgrade from their taxes. Of course, you will need to be in an area where there is enough exposure to the sun to fuel a solar panel. It may be wise to also keep a backup generator if there is a persistent period without sin. But installing solar panels on your investment property is not only a good way to help save the planet, but can also be attractive to prospective residents

Low-Flow Shower Heads

A low-flow showerhead is a showerhead designed to reduce the amount of water that is used when the shower is running. Low flow showerheads are typically those that are restricted to around 2.5 gallons per minute. How often do you jump in the shower and suddenly realize that you’ve been standing there for close to half an hour? For some reason when it’s early in the morning or we're comfortable from the warm flow of water, we lose all track of time. Low flow showerheads are a great way to ensure that when this occurs, not too much excess water is wasted. Personal consumption habits also play a role in saving energy and it will be up to you and your residents not to run the shower excessively. But these appliances are a great way to reduce waste day-to-day.

A better tomorrow is possible, but only if we all do our part. Follow these simple steps to make your investment property more green and cost-effective.

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