How Renters and Landlords Can Save Money and Increase Comfort
Whether you rent, own or manage an apartment or multifamily property, making energy-efficiency upgrades benefits you.
In the Northwest, there are plenty of reasons to prioritize weatherization and energy efficiency. Research has shown that renters care more than the average person about saving energy; after all, it lowers the cost of living while offering long-term health and safety benefits.
And for landlords, it’s a smart investment. The money that tenants save on utility bills can help them keep up on rent payments. Data also shows that these upgrades lead to higher tenant satisfaction and lower vacancy and turnover rates — meaning happier people stay in the building longer.
Benefits of weatherization and energy efficiency
For tenants:
A more comfortable home, especially in summer and winter
Lower utility bills
Safer homes with better indoor air quality
For Property Managers
More durable buildings
Fewer maintenance calls
For Landlords
Higher tenant satisfaction.
Increased home values.
Compliance with new and upcoming laws and mandates.
Reduced maintenance costs.
Ready to learn more? Read on or connect with a Comfort Ready Home Field Specialist in your area for free help finding energy-efficiency upgrades that fit your home and budget
Common weatherization and energy-efficiency improvements
Depending on the age and type of your home, you’ll find a range of suitable upgrades, ranging from quick DIY projects to larger investments with even greater payoffs. And some upgrades pay for themselves in energy savings over time — heat pump water heaters, for example, can have a payback period of less than three years.
Examples include:
- Easy and inexpensive DIY projects — see this checklist from Energy Trust of Oregon.
- Installing ductless heat pumps.
- Upgrading your water heater.
- Choosing LED light fixtures.
- Adding insulation.
- Replacing old windows and doors.
- Sealing ducts and air leaks.
- Opting for ENERGY STAR appliances.
Browse our list of Product Guides to learn more.
Custom Projects
Building owners and property managers can get free building analysis and scope development for custom energy-efficiency projects from Comfort Ready Home.
Our professional Field Specialists can provide:
- Building assessment for upgrade opportunities.
- Custom project engineering.
- Rebates, tax credits and incentive eligibility.
- Connections to available financing.
- Contractors.
- Informational support on technologies and measures.
- Tenant training.
Rebates, incentives and financing
Regardless of who is paying for the upgrade, incentives may be available to help lower the cost of installing energy-efficient equipment. Your utility may also offer low- or no-cost upgrades for properties that qualify for low-income or income-qualified rebates.
Financing options are also available to help make upgrades more affordable, including:
- Tax credits and deductions.
- Low-interest loans.
- Green leasing options.
- Energy Savings Performance Contracting partnerships, which to pay for today’s facility upgrades with tomorrow’s energy savings.
Check with your local utility or reach out to a Comfort Ready Home Field Specialist for support in determining what incentives and financing options your property is eligible for.
Starting the dialog about improvements
If you’re interested in starting a conversation with your tenant or landlord about weatherization or energy-efficiency upgrades, it can help to reference resources that give the facts about these projects and how they benefit everyone. Try sharing this page and contact a Comfort Ready Home Field Specialist if you have questions or for more information.