A New Year brings New Year’s resolutions. Many of us think of resolutions which will improve our health, or our financial security, and ultimately our quality of life. Your building’s electrical, sometimes described as the “circulatory system” of a building, can have everything to do with the safety, comfort and quality of life of your residents.
Here are three great ways you can improve your property’s electrical health, financial efficiency, while improving the quality of life for your tenants. These upgrades translate into less turnover and improved retention, and most importantly, a great place to call home.
1. Electrical Health Resolution: Upgrading Your Property
Are your tenants’ circuit breakers tripping, or lights flickering when a hair dryer or a vacuum cleaner is turned on? Post-Christmas season probably means more electronic usage: video games, coffee makers, new flat screen TVs and computers…all require additional power. If these are added, on top of existing electronics and appliances, circuits may become overloaded which may put your tenants and buildings at risk.
Electrical usage of today differ from the past. If your electrical system hasn’t been upgraded in say 20-30 years, best to consult an electrician to verify your energy consumption needs are being met, and your wiring is still safe for your residents. Installing GFCI’s-Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, surge protection, additional circuits, upgraded wiring, or even replacing the electrical panel are all critical in maintaining the safest of living conditions. “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure” certainly rings true with your electric!
2. Financial & Energy Efficient Resolution: Installing Energy Efficient Appliances in your units to save you and your tenants’ money in 2017
Did you know in Maryland there are incentives for installing high efficiency Energy Star appliances like refrigerators, freezers, washer and dryers, dehumidifiers, and water heaters? Rebates with the BGE Smart Energy Program range from $75-$500 per new appliance, and all you need to do is fill out an application with your qualifying purchases. This savings adds up fast when purchasing for multiple units. The time has never been better to upgrade your appliances. All purchases under $5000 do not require pre-approval from BGE. See bgesmartenergy.com for ways you can upgrade AND save this year.
3. Quality of Life Resolution: Standby Generators
Have you hesitated installing stand by generators for your properties? The convenience truly improves tenants’ quality of life when storms and inclement weather strike. A licensed electrician will determine what type of generator is appropriate for your level of electrical usage, and which will be most efficient for you to install. The advantages are pretty substantial of back up generators–keeping refrigerators and freezers running, keeping your property warm with heat, and never losing the convenience of all other appliances. Never losing electricity is a valuable asset to residents, and makes your property certainly more attractive to potential tenants.
One call to Walter Electric can help ensure your property’s “New Year Electrical Resolutions” can become a reality!