What can I Do?

I am a Landlord

Whether you or your tenants pay the utility bills, saving energy makes financial sense. The payback of many energy efficiency improvements is often less than 5 years.

If you rent a house in Charlottesville, consider getting an energy audit to find ways to target your energy saving potential. Read more about the energy audit process and find contact information for auditors in the Charlottesville area.

For larger apartment buildings, consider a switch to compact fluorescent lighting and Energy Star appliances to increase the marketability and energy savings of your rental units.

Landlords in the City who are able to demonstrate that the energy performance of their property exceeds the Virginia building code by 30% are eligible to take a one time 50% property tax deduction. The evaluation must be completed by a third party professional such as an energy auditor or home energy rater. Visit the City’s Neighborhood Development Services website to learn more about this incentive program or download an application. Note that the applicant must be the property owner.

Keep Cold Air Out

Seal leaks around doors, windows, and electrical outlets to avoid losing heat through these cracks.

Heat can escape through electrical outlets, light switches and fixtures on outside walls. Consider installing foam gaskets behind outlets and switches or install plastic security caps to reduce heat loss.

Remove window air conditioners for the winter. If they cannot be removed, seal around them with caulking or tape and cover them with an airtight, insulated jacket.

Use Appliances Efficiently

If your water heater surface is hot or even warm, energy used to heat the water is being wasted. If you never run out of hot water, then you’ve probably set your hot water thermostat too high. Reset it between 110-120 degrees.

Wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket. Check user manual and labels on the tank first.

Make sure heating vents aren’t blocked by furniture or drapes and the dampers are open. Vacuum out dust and pet hair from warm air registers and cold air returns so your furnace runs more efficiently.

Invest Wisely in Home Improvements

Thinking of replacing your furnace? Consider getting one rated 90% or higher in efficiency. Replacing your old furnace can save up to 30% on heating costs.

If you’re building a new home or remodeling, place the water heater as close as possible to the kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms. Heat is lost as it moves through pipes, so the closer the unit is to these rooms, the more money you save.

Invest Wisely in Home Improvements

For a minimal cost, you can upgrade the insulation in your exterior walls, crawlspace, basement and attic. Insulation may come in batts or as loose fill that can be blown into hard-to-reach places.

If you have single-pane windows, add storm windows to cut heat loss by up to 50%, or replace with energy-efficient double-pane windows with inert argon gas fill, warm-edge spacers and low-e coating.

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