Here in Dallas, Texas, the days are getting hotter and hotter as summer approaches. While this is great news for waterparks, it’s not so much for property management. Many Dallas homeowners and renters dread this time of year due to the inability to stay cool and the consequent increase in utility bills. As a rental property owner, it’s a good idea to make sure your tenants are comfortable in your rental home. If your property is not properly equipped to handle the summer heat, your tenants will be forced to rely more on the AC, meaning their cooling costs will increase. Here are five energy-efficient ways to keep a home cool in the summer.
1. Fill the Cracks
If you were to add up all the cracks and openings through which warm air permeates the indoors in an average home, you could have a basketball-sized hole, which would obviously cause your AC to work longer and harder to cool your home. You should therefore find and fill all these little cracks letting in warm air. Your utility company can help you find these little openings. Many utility companies offer energy audits for homes and some even offer rebates if you follow their advice.
2. Install the Right AC
Air conditioners extract both humidity and heat from the air. If your AC is oversized, it will cool the indoor space quickly, but it won’t remove all the humidity. In other words, it will cause your home to feel damp and clammy. One way to help this is to go for an AC that’s Energy Star certified. Energy Star certified units use about 10% less energy.
3. Plant Shade Trees and Other Greenery
A strategically placed tree can immensely increase the comfort in and outside of a home, especially in the warmer months. While planting trees may not have an immediate payoff, it’s a fantastic way of shading a home as well as adding beauty and color to your property. You can use vines and other tall shrubs, too, especially if you want to see results within a relatively short period.
4. Add Shades, Awnings, or Shutters to your Windows’ Exterior
Awnings are the most expensive option but they are also the most effective, they can diminish solar heat gains by up to 65%, especially when installed in the west- and south-facing windows.
5. Consider Large Upgrades like Getting a New Roof or Re-painting
If overheating remains a persistent problem, you might consider repainting the house in a lighter color or installing a roof that offers more protection compared to the standard shingles. Some of the more effective roofing options include concrete, slate, clay, metal, and various tiles. These two offer the greatest protection from solar heat but they are also quite costly options. For this reason, you should consider them when your property is due for an upgrade.
These are just a few energy-efficient ways to keep a home cool in the summer. Property management isn’t always easy, and the Texas heat and humidity don’t tend to help that. However, here at Specialized Property Management Dallas, we know how to keep your tenants happy and your property running efficiently. Call us at 214-233-7572 for a quote or contact us online!
