Money & Energy Saving Tips That Every Property Owner Should Know This Fall
As millions of Americans get ready to head back to school, Labor Day weekend serves as the unofficial end of summer for many. With shorter days and cooler weather on the horizon, the impending change of the season also presents new obstacles and checklist items to cross off for those who own property.
Whether you’re the head of your home, manage a multi-rental unit property, or run a commercial business, there are a handful of proactive steps you can take now— before fall is officially here— to help you achieve major savings, greater efficiency, and less headaches down the road.
As the nation’s only Certified B Corporation™ that specializes in providing financing for home and building efficiency upgrades, the National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF) has gathered key seasonal tips for every type of property owner.
Homeowners — How-To: Prep Smarter (Not Harder) For Fall
- Get a Routine Service Appointment on the Calendar
Similarly to how most automobiles require occasional oil changes and other tune-ups, your home’s heating and cooling system also deserves some TLC. Not to mention that more frequent maintenance, such as replacing furnace or heat pump filters, can help prevent a mid-winter breakdown. Working with one of NEIF’s quality Approved Contractors grants you access to affordable financing and payment options that work within your budget. - Weatherize Your Home
It’s never too early to start weatherizing your home: a process that involves checking for air leaks and identifying any areas where insulation (or more insulation) is needed. Homeowners who are successful in sealing air leaks — either by caulking, applying weatherstripping, or sealing all openings to the outside — can save anywhere from 10-20% on monthly energy bills. - Cook Up Energy Efficiency in the Kitchen
Did you know that slow cookers generally use far less power than most other kitchen appliances? According to this year’s Comprehensive Energy Guide — which explores the energy usage of typical household slow cookers — slow cookers are an ideal option for energy-conscious cooking because of their ability to retain heat and also to auto-adjust temperature (and thus, the power level). As you cozy up with a bowl of chili or prep your favorite Crock Pot meal for hosting fall festivities, rest assured that you’re also cooking up energy savings in the kitchen.
Landlords & Rental Owners — How-To: Lower Costs and Maximize Efficiency
- Stay on Top of Maintenance
How to avoid the emergency— and often costly— service calls mid-winter? Take proactive— preventative— steps in your rental units now! Fall is the perfect time to focus on maintaining your units, ensuring that current systems are well-quipped for more extreme weather ahead. - Add Value with Low-Cost Energy Upgrades
Even the smallest and most cost-effective upgrades can add major value! Consider swapping out any traditional bulbs to LEDs or installing motion sensors in common areas — like laundry rooms or hallways — to improve overall property efficiency.
Commercial Business Owners — How-To: Ensure Your Building is Cold Weather-Ready
- Analyze Energy Use with an Audit
“Where is my building losing energy?” “Where might I be able to improve energy efficiency, and in turn, save on my monthly bills?” These are the kinds of questions that can be answered by an energy audit. A key part of this process includes consulting with licensed professionals to review current utility bills, perform on-site walkthroughs, and analyze other areas where energy savings may be achieved. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that energy audits can help save anywhere from 10-40% on utility bills. - Weatherize Your Home
It’s never too early to start weatherizing your home: a process that involves checking for air leaks and identifying any areas where insulation (or more insulation) is needed. Homeowners who are successful in sealing air leaks — either by caulking, applying weatherstrip, or sealing all openings to the outside — can save anywhere from 10-20% on monthly energy bills. - Cook Up Energy Efficiency in the Kitchen
Did you know that slow cookers generally use far less power than most other kitchen appliances? According to this year’s Comprehensive Energy Guide — which explores the energy usage of typical household slow cookers — slow cookers are an ideal option for energy-conscious cooking because of their ability to retain heat and also to auto-adjust temperature (and thus, the power level). As you cozy up with a bowl of chili or prep your favorite Crock Pot meal for hosting fall festivities, rest assured that you’re also cooking up energy savings in the kitchen.
No matter what kind of property you’re responsible for, early fall can be a critical time to get ahead! A few smart moves now, such as sealing air leaks, scheduling annual HVAC service, and considering efficiency upgrades, can make big impact later on. The team at NEIF is here to make it easier — and more affordable — to invest in comfort, savings, and energy efficiency this fall and beyond!
SOURCES: EcoFlow, Energy.gov, Rasmussen Reports, Unitil