Thinking of giving your rental home in Tucson some updates? With summer temps in Tucson reaching the triple digits, consider upgrades that help keep the interior cool and comfortable. This helps reduce energy bills — and keeps your tenants happy! There are several changes you can make to accomplish this. But what should you focus on? Consider the following upgrades for Tucson rental homes this summer.
Central AC
Is the current air conditioning system nearing the end of its lifespan? Older systems use up a lot more energy, resulting in much higher energy bills. But having new central AC equipment installed can help change that.
Newer systems are more energy-efficient. Having one installed provides these benefits for you and your tenants:
- Lower cooling bills
- Reduced risk of major repairs or frequent repairs
- Enhanced indoor comfort
Windows
Does the sun heat up the rooms in your rental home? That can cause the AC to kick on a lot more than it needs to. Older windows can let in a considerable amount of heat from outside. But new windows are designed to be more energy-efficient.
When choosing windows, look for ones with a lower solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). This means they let in a lower amount of heat from outside — making them perfect for the Tucson climate!
Thermostat
Looking for ways to help tenants reduce energy usage in your rental property? Turning the thermostat up a few degrees can help, especially during the day if no one’s home. But they’ll need to remember to do that with a manual or conventional thermostat.
Getting a programmable or smart thermostat helps solve this problem! These can automatically lower or raise the temperature setting to help reduce energy usage.
Ceiling Fans
Your tenants don’t have to solely rely on AC to stay cool. Running ceiling fans can help create a breeze that makes rooms feel more comfortable. Install a fan in bedrooms and other areas of your rental home, like in the living room. Or replace existing ceiling fans if they’re wearing out.
Insulation
Do some rooms feel hotter than others? They might not have enough insulation. This is a simple upgrade that can go a long way toward keeping the interior cooler. Check the insulation in or near these areas, and add some if needed to help keep the heat out and cooler air in.
Other Upgrades to Consider
Summer’s a great time to do all kinds of remodeling and other projects to boost your rental home’s curb appeal and value. A few other projects to think about doing this season include:
- Spruce up your landscaping with shade trees
- Restain the deck to protect it from UV damage
- Add an outdoor living space if the home doesn’t have one
- Reseal the driveway for added protection from heat and UV rays
- Get new siding if yours is worn or outdated
Find a Property Manager for Your Rental Home in Tucson
Looking for help taking care of your rental home? Contact Bancroft & Associates for property management services!
Sources:
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/insulation
https://www.energystar.gov/products/central_air_conditioners