If you own or manage an apartment complex or similar property, you undoubtedly have plenty of issues to keep you busy. Did you know that many of your typical problems and complaints from tenants could be resolved with some smart energy efficiency applications? As with any maintenance or improvement program, there is a cost involved, but the long term savings with business energy efficiency will offset expenses and could even produce a greater return. Read on to discover the energy-saving techniques that will not only solve problems for your apartment complex, but also slash the amount of complaints from tenants. When the tenants are happy, you?re happy.

Illuminating the Best Lighting Solutions
If you?re burdened with stacks of maintenance requests for burned-out lamps or dim bulbs in common external areas, it?s time for an upgrade. In areas where the lights are on around the clock, consider switching to fluorescent lighting. They can last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs and use a quarter of the energy. You might also benefit from motion-activated switches in certain areas, depending on code requirements. Consider installing them in vending areas, storage rooms and laundry facilities.

Another important lighting factor is your lighting in signs around the complex ? namely the Exit signs Switch to LED lighting for your signs, and you?re sure to see the savings. Not only are LED?s more durable, much longer lasting, but they produce bright, consistent light. Install them in your Exit signs as well and never worry about whether the Fire Marshall will find violations on your premises due to the unlit signs.

Tackling all these lighting issues may present a moderate cost at the outset, but the peace of mind that comes from code compliance, reduced maintenance costs and fewer tenant complaints is sure to make it all worthwhile. Not to mention you?re saving money in the long run with reduced energy bills.

Taking the Shock out of High Electricity Bills

Whether you pay the utilities for your tenants or they foot the electric bill themselves, high energy bills are a significant concern for you as a landlord. If you?re paying the bills, it?s going to be that much more important as it represents a direct expense for your business electricity. However, high energy bills that tenants pay themselves are equally problematic due to tenant complaints and overall unrest. Your tenants want the lowest bill possible, just like you, and they won?t hesitate to remind you as such.

Installing energy-efficient equipment is the first step to resolving your high electricity costs. Furnaces and boilers should be high-efficiency models with AFUE ratings of 90% and 85% or higher, respectively. Sealing and insulating your building against drafts and air leaks will also go a long way to improving energy-efficient dwellings and lower bills. Natural gas water heaters are much cheaper than electric units and more efficient. If you furnish major appliances (fridge, dishwasher, etc) in the units, make sure they are high-efficiency units and installed properly. These fixes will go a long way in reducing energy costs and headaches for you.

Sealing Away a Ton of Problems
If poor energy efficiency, drafty apartments, migrating odors and heating/cooling issues are common problems at your complex, there is a single solution that could fix a great many of your concerns. Proper sealing and insulation will go a long way to improving your place, keeping tenants happy and lowering expenses for you and your residents.

Paying special attention to doors, windows, outlets, vents, attics and chimneys, ensure that all openings and gaps are sealed properly. Use weather-stripping, gaskets and caulk for each appropriate seal (put your maintenance crew to work!). Any place where wiring, pipes or ducts run into the building or between rooms should also be sealed properly. Ensure all windows and doors are in good repair, and consider installing storm windows where applicable.

Performing the above actions will yield a host of favorable benefits. Your apartment units will be more energy efficient, driving utility bills down (for you AND your tenants). The units will also maintain proper temperatures thereby placing less strain on heating/cooling equipment. Furthermore, with fewer drafts, there is little worry over the migration of odors between apartments, so the non-smoker in one unit won?t notice if his neighbor next door lights up a cigarette. You?re also ensuring proper ventilation, reducing moisture problems (mold, mildew, etc) and increasing the value of your property.

It is evident that proper sealing has myriad benefits. Perhaps the greatest one of all (aside from cost savings) is your happy tenants. You can save electricity for your business AND take a huge chunk out of the complaints and maintenance requests coming in. Rather than speaking ill of your building to their family and friends, your residents will gladly disclose how great of a place it is to live.

Once you?ve done your part for your tenants, it?s time for them to do theirs. Take some time to draft a memo for your residents with tips on energy efficiency and electricity. Encourage them to conserve and educate them about efficiency. Explain to them what renovations have been accomplished and how they serve the tenants. Send out the flyers to all your tenants and keep them updated about ongoing efforts to improve the building for everyone.