During the winter months, the bulk of your energy costs come from heating. Regardless of who pays the utility bills, work with your residents to reduce heating costs while keeping the property comfortable. Carrying out some of the following improvements can offer high-value returns on the monthly energy bill.

Install programmable thermostats

Help residents be smarter about their energy usage during sleeping and working hours. Lowering the thermostat by five degrees at night or when no one is home can save up to 20 percent of heating costs.

Insulate the heating system

Heat is lost through uninsulated pipes and furnace ductwork - maximize the heat coming out of your taps and vents by installing insulation. Pipe insulation is typically inexpensive and easy to install, though you might need to get down and dirty in your crawlspace. Before evaluating the insulation options for your ducts, consider having a technician perform a duct leakage test to determine if portions of your ductwork need sealing. If there are holes, cracks or other leaks in your ducts, your insulation efforts will prove less effective.

Reduce the hot water setting

Save up to 11 percent on water heating costs by lowering the temperature on your water heater. The manufacturer setting goes up to 140 ºF, but lowering it to 120-130 ºF will still keep your water plenty hot, saving energy and reducing the risk of scalding.

Stop air leaks

Keep the warm air in and cold air out by sealing any sources of heat loss. Install weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent air leaks. Make sure the attic and basement or crawl space have proper insulation so warm air doesn't escape through the roof and cold air doesn't creep in from outside.

Install a heat pump

If the heating or cooling system in your rental needs an upgrade, look into replacing your system with a heat pump. Heat pumps are energy efficient because they move hot or cold air in from the outside to cool or heat the home. The only energy used in the process is electricity to transfer the heat, saving you up to 30 percent on energy costs.

Complete an energy audit

Contact your local utility company to schedule an energy assessment. These are usually free and will provide you with expert advice and estimates on energy-efficient improvements for your building. Ask if your building is eligible for rebates, grants or incentives to help offset the cost of upgrades.

Work with your residents to educate them about the heating system in the home and remind them to use caution with space heaters and fireplaces. Provide information on additional, simple steps they can take to lower heating costs, such as installing thicker curtains and insulating the windows.

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