Environmentally-Friendly Rentals: The Value of Going Green
As people are becoming more environmentally conscious and opting to adjust their lifestyles accordingly, it’s increasingly important for short-term property managers to provide accommodations that reflect their guests’ eco-friendly values.
This honorable endeavor doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, by making a few adjustments to your properties, you can differentiate your offering, draw in more guests and earn more profit. According to Goldleaf Designs, custom home builders in NJ, “Becoming more eco-friendly with your rental property is an investment worth making. Eco-friendly home appliances usually save you money because they cut down electricity bills, but they can also end up making your property more enticing to potential renters.”
Ready to go eco-friendly? Here are some simple and affordable ways to make the change:
1. Switch to LED Bulbs
LED bulbs are a quick way to make your rental property more eco-friendly because they last 80% longer thank other bulbs and only use ⅓ of the amount of energy. LED bulbs convert 95% of the energy they use into light, wasting only about 5% of the energy as heat. With these benefits, LED bulbs will also create much less waste than typical bulbs.
Installing LED bulbs in your rental property is an easy way to begin converting your space into a sustainable one. LED bulbs fit into almost any lighting fixture and retrofit kits are available in case a certain lighting fixture doesn’t house an LED bulb. These kits attach to any lightning fixture and allow for it to be used with an LED bulb.
2. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats allow you to remotely control the heat and air in your rental properties at all times. This is beneficial because you won’t have to waste energy heating or cooling it too far in advance of your guests’ arrival; you can simply power your temperature systems from afar exactly when you need to.
Some smart thermostats can also be programmed to turn off when sensors indicate that no one is on the premises, so you can ensure you’re saving energy even if you’ve got forgetful guests who may not have remembered to power off the air conditioning before heading out for the day. Systems like these are a great way to save money and protect the environment at the same time.
3. Reinforce Insulation
Improving your properties’ insulation is another effective way to boost the eco-friendliness of your rentals. Especially relevant for older properties, caulking windows will reduce the amount of heat that is lost to drafts. Sealing up windows will reduce the amount of energy needed to maintain comfortable temperatures within the property and will also improve living conditions for guests by decreasing the amount of cool air that’s let in during the colder months.
If you are replacing all of the insulation in your rental property, the most eco-friendly kind of insulation is cellulose insulation. Cellulose insulation is made with 80-85% recycled material and has a long lifespan so it will not need to be replaced often.
4. Install Environmentally-Friendly Flooring
A new floor can give your rental property an entirely new look and attract more guests, especially if it helps protect the environment. Here are some environmentally-friendly flooring materials to install in your rental property:
- Cork
Cork is a great option for your rental property because it reduces allergens found in a home, is easy to maintain and is extremely durable. Sourced from cork trees in the mediterranean that do not need to be cut down in order for their barks to be harvested, cork is the ideal material for eco-friendly flooring.
Cork’s longevity adds to its environmental benefits because it will not have to be replaced often; the typical lifespan for cork flooring is 10-30 years.
- Bamboo
Bamboo floors are increasingly popular because they are sustainable, natural and attractive- perfect for an eco-friendly rental property. Bamboo is a grass that regenerates quickly, and like cork, no trees need to be cut down in order to harvest it.
- Glass Tiles
Glass tiles are made from recycled materials. These tiles are great for floors i as well as walls and backsplashes in bathrooms and kitchens. Easy to maintain, glass tiles will not stain and will last for long periods of time.
In terms of aesthetic value, glass tiles reflect light rather than absorb it so they will naturally light up a room. Glass tiles come in a variety of colors, patterns and shapes that can enhance the aesthetics of your rental property.
- Rubber
Rubber flooring can be made from recycled materials, usually tires. Though historically it’s been most popular in gym and workout settings, it has been migrating into kitchen and bathrooms as well. Rubber flooring is a great rental property feature because, in addition to being environmentally-friendly, it is durable and comfortable to walk on, especially for people that suffer from back pain. Rubber flooring comes in a variety of colors and patterns that will work great in any room of a rental property.
It’s a Win-Win-Win
Increasing the environmental friendliness of your rental property will not only help the planet and save you on expenses, it will attract more guests, especially if those green features make the property more convenient or attractive. It’s important to know what people are looking for so be sure to stay up to date on new environmentally-friendly trends and new ways to save money and please your eco-conscious guests.
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