The more energy-efficient your home, the more you might be able to save on your utility bills. Plus, an inefficient home is also one that might be susceptible to multiple hazards. Any homeowner wants to live in a safe home that is also affordable to manage, and this is the same for renters, too.
Still, if you rent your home, then you might not have full control of the electrical features, gas lines, water and other utilities. If your home’s energy efficiency is something that concerns you, then you might wonder how you can still manage to maximize it even if you don’t own the home. Let’s take a closer look at how to do so.
The Liabilities of an Inefficient Rental Home
Rental homes that aren’t secure and that use a lot of energy are going to face high maintenance costs and other liabilities. Those risks (and sometimes the costs) will often trickle down to the renter.
- A home that is not properly sealed could create breaches that allow air, moisture and pests to enter the property. These hazards could burden the home’s heating & air systems, not to mention cause damage to the tenant’s personal belongings and the home’s structure.
- If a rental home has appliances, lighting or wiring that are old, damaged or malfunctioning, then they will not work optimally. This could cause needlessly wasted energy and higher utility bills. Plus, malfunctioning household components could lead to risks of fires, burst pipes and other catastrophic issues.
While you might have renters insurance to protect you against the ramifications of these losses, you still don’t want them to happen, anyway. After all, anything you can do to prevent hazards in your property can save you a lot of money in the end.
Making Your Rental Home Energy-Efficient
With the help of your landlord, you can take practical steps to make your rental more energy efficient. Just a few of these include:
- Consider installing lightbulbs or efficient faucets that offer energy savings, and always make conservative use of your lighting, water and appliances. This can save you money and won’t overburden a household system to the point that it fails.
- Ask your landlord to show you how to use and adjust appliances to your needs. For example, you should know how to operate the HVAC system, gas lines, water heater and electrical panel, and how to shut off any of these items in case of emergencies.
- If you notice problems in the home’s structure, foundation or appliances, immediately tell your landlord and ask them to make the repairs as expediently as possible. They can help you determine what precautions to take in the meantime.
And, once you are ready to protect yourself with the benefit of renters insurance, just call one of our agents. We’re committed to helping all our clients get the customized policies that will always provide exceptional protection against any unexpected problem.
Also Read: Making Your Condo Insurance Fit in with Your HOA’s Policy
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