Owners of Boston rental properties who pay for their tenants heat and hot water, and private homeowners can save hundreds per year by making changes to their hot water heater and laundry machines. Turning the temperature of the hot water heater down to 120 degrees quickly and easily saves money. For those looking for an upgrade, buying an energy efficient hot water heater can save about 7% on running costs per year. Ideally, a tankless heater would be installed, saving about 30% per year. Washing machines with a horizontal-axis tumbler are not only more energy-efficient, they are also more effective at removing stains. Owners who have an outdoor area should consider putting up a clothesline for tenants to air-dry their laundry during the warm spring and summer months.
Whereas most rental property owners have stopped paying for heat and hot water for their tenants, many landlords still foot the water bill. Although tap water is relatively cheap across the United States, there are still many simple changes that can be made to curtail expenses. Fixing leaks is the quickest and easiest money-saving method. A leaky faucet can waste about 3 gallons of water per day, and a leaky toilet can waste upwards of 22 gallons! Also consider installing low-flow showerheads. These efficiently designed fixtures maintain water pressure while reducing overall water consumption.
