Lowering utility bills

You don’t control utility rates, but you can influence how much water and electricity your properties use. While your tenants hopefully pay for the water and electricity in their spaces, here are some strategies to reduce utility usage in common areas and other places where you, as property owner or manager, might be paying the bills.

Let there be cheaper light

What kind of light bulbs illuminate hallways, bathrooms, parking lots, and entry ways? Using long-life incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs, or traditional fluorescent lighting can over time save you significant dollars. Find out from the electric company if they provide free inspections geared toward making your lighting more energy efficient.

Money down the drain

Install low-flow toilets and low-flow faucet aerators in common-area bathrooms and kitchens. Repair any water leaks, no matter how small. It may seem like only a few drips of water, but in the long run it will probably be cheaper to fix the leak than pay increased water bills.

Discuss with your landscaper the possibility of using plantings that require less water. Offer the landscaper a bonus if he reduces your water bill by a certain amount. And be sure to test your sprinkler system for leaks and repair any broken sprinkler heads.

Buyers & sellers, visit www.texasrealestate.com.
REALTORS®, visit www.texasrealtors.com.