Green Living: Energy-Efficient Houston Apartment Upgrades
March 14, 2023As an apartment owner, it’s important to ensure your Houston property remains up-to-date and energy-efficient. The good news is that there are a number of simple upgrades you can make to boost the performance and cost efficiency of your building or complex, with some surprisingly affordable options available!
From installing new windows and ensuring proper insulation to selecting high-efficiency lighting systems and performing regular maintenance checks, these comprehensive strategies have proven effective in helping owners lower energy bills while providing occupants with improved comfort levels. In this post, we’ll explore some of the top Houston apartment upgrades sure to boost your property’s sustainability—and profitability—in no time.
What Does Being Energy Efficient Mean?
Energy efficiency means using less energy to do the same job. It is a strategy for reducing energy use, which in turn helps reduce bills and environmental impact. Making energy-efficient upgrades to your Houston apartment or complex involves using advanced technology and finding creative ways to use less energy while maintaining the same—or even higher—level of comfort and convenience.
How to Make Your Houston Apartment More Energy-Efficient
Smart living in a big city like Houston can mean big energy bills and an ever-present concern for the environment. But living in an apartment doesn’t mean sacrificing sustainability or your wallet. With a few simple upgrades, you can make your Houston condo more energy-efficient and save yourself money in the long run. Let’s explore some of the best upgrades for energy efficiency.
Air Conditioning: Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are one of the most effective ways to reduce energy costs and increase efficiency. Smart thermostats allow you to monitor and adjust the temperature of your condo from anywhere using a smartphone app or other connected device.
This means no more wasting energy when you forget to turn off the air conditioning before leaving home or manually adjust your thermostat throughout the day. Smart thermostats also learn from your preferences over time, meaning they can automatically adjust temperatures according to your needs without you having to think about it.
Insulation: Make Sure Your Apartment Has Proper Insulation
Another critical step in the process is to ensure your apartment complex has proper insulation. Uninsulated walls, floors, and ceilings can result in high energy bills due to excessive heat loss. Residents can help maintain a consistent temperature inside their buildings by investing in proper insulation and reducing their overall energy usage.
For example, spray foam insulation is an excellent choice for Houston apartments because it provides a strong barrier against air infiltration. Less energy is needed to maintain comfortable temperatures inside your building, leading to lower energy bills.
Lighting: Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting Systems
Outdated lighting systems can be a major drain on your energy bill. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient bulbs and fixtures—such as LED or fluorescent lighting—that consume less electricity.
Replacing traditional light bulbs with LED lighting is another excellent way to reduce energy consumption while still getting bright, reliable lighting throughout your Houston apartment. LED lights can produce a much brighter light than traditional incandescent bulbs while consuming far less energy; switching just one bulb can save up to $75 each year! LED lights also last longer than their traditional counterparts, meaning fewer replacements and less waste over time.
Additionally, you should install adequate lighting in common areas, hallways, and motion-sensor light switches for improved safety and efficiency. This can help you save on energy costs in the long run while also reducing your environmental impact.
Windows: Update Low-E Windows for Improved Efficiency
Replacing old, drafty windows with insulated, low-E models is one of the most effective strategies for improving energy efficiency. Low-E windows are designed to reflect the sun’s rays, keeping the interior of your apartment cooler in warmer weather and reducing the load on air conditioners.
Additionally, Low-E windows with insulated frames can prevent drafts and reduce heat loss during cold winter months, keeping the interior temperature more consistent. For example, quality window films can reduce heating costs by as much as 25% in the winter and keep your apartment cooler during Houston’s hot summers. With a return on investment of just 2–3 years, this simple upgrade will make a noticeable difference in your energy bills.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Another great way to reduce your carbon footprint (while saving yourself money) is by investing in energy-efficient appliances for your condo. Energy Star appliances are designed specifically for maximum efficiency and reduced consumption.
From refrigerators and dishwashers to air conditioners and washers/dryers, these energy-efficient appliances use significantly less power and perform better than their non-Energy Star counterparts. This means you will save on utility costs and get superior performance from all of your household appliances over time – a win-win situation!
Regular Maintenance: Perform Regular Maintenance Checks And Energy Audits
Finally, performing regular maintenance checks on your Houston apartment complex is essential. This can include checking for air leaks in walls and doors, replacing old HVAC systems, and ensuring all windows and doors are properly sealed. Regular maintenance on select units can help you identify problems early on — allowing you to make repairs or replacements before they become expensive and energy-draining issues.
An energy audit can help determine where and how your apartment is losing energy. A professional energy auditor will assess your condo’s energy efficiency and recommend various upgrades to ensure you get the most out of your apartment home’s energy use. From air sealing and insulation to energy-efficient appliances and HVAC upgrades, an energy audit can pinpoint exactly where you need improvements to start upgrading to reduce your energy consumption and save you money.
Important Note
Before making any changes to your apartment home, check with local authorities regarding any applicable regulations or restrictions when making these upgrades! Also, if you are unsure how to make any of these changes, it is best to consult a professional to ensure they are done safely and correctly.
By making a few simple upgrades, you can easily improve your Houston condo’s energy efficiency and save money on your energy bills. Smart thermostats, window insulation, LED lighting, Energy Star appliances, and an energy audit are all great ways to start. With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to a greener and more efficient apartment home!
Get Into Green Living By Choosing The Perfect Apartment With AOK Apartment Locators
Now that you know about the various energy-efficient upgrades for Houston apartments, it’s time to choose the perfect apartment with all of these features. At AOK Apartment Locators, we make it easy for you to find the perfect place to call home with all of the energy-efficient amenities you need.
We can specialize in finding Houston apartments that are eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and provide an overall healthier living environment. With our expert advice and free apartment-locating services, you can make the best decision for you and your wallet. Contact us today to get started on your green living journey!
