Building rental properties in Orlando with energy-efficient features is an environmentally responsible decision and a smart financial move. Energy-efficient homes also tend to attract quality tenants, reduce energy costs, and add long-term value to an investment property portfolio.
Constructing residential and commercial rental properties with sustainable and eco-friendly designs is a growing trend in the construction industry, and it is expected to expand in the coming decades. Energy-efficient designs help investors and stakeholders save on building and operating costs.
Additionally, sustainability is becoming a parameter many tenants look for in a rental home. Sustainable building experts say, “Residents increasingly appreciate the environmental and health benefits of green design.” These practices are becoming the standard in multifamily and residential rental construction.
This guide will explore ten energy-efficient features to incorporate when building rental properties in Orlando to help lower long-term costs and attract quality tenants.
As mentioned above, choosing the proper sealing and insulation material is essential to minimize energy loss. Sealing windows and doors tightly and utilizing high-quality insulation materials for walls, roofs, and floors is also necessary. Some effective insulation options include:
Constructing residential and commercial rental properties with sustainable and eco-friendly designs is a growing trend in the construction industry, and it is expected to expand in the coming decades. Energy-efficient designs help investors and stakeholders save on building and operating costs.
Additionally, sustainability is becoming a parameter many tenants look for in a rental home. Sustainable building experts say, “Residents increasingly appreciate the environmental and health benefits of green design.” These practices are becoming the standard in multifamily and residential rental construction.
This guide will explore ten energy-efficient features to incorporate when building rental properties in Orlando to help lower long-term costs and attract quality tenants.
#1. Start with a Smart Building Site Selection
Consider the natural surroundings when looking for an eco-friendly construction site. When building rental properties in Orlando, it is key to seek out locations with access to natural shade and minimal exposure to harsh winds. These factors make for an optimal building location and can help regulate indoor temperatures while reducing energy consumption after construction.#2. Use Sustainable Building Materials
Using eco-friendly and energy-efficient building materials promotes sustainability and appeals to renters when building rental properties in Orlando’s competitive market. These environmentally conscious construction supplies may include reclaimed wood, bamboo, or recycled steel. Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) and structural insulated panels (SIPs) can also provide superior energy efficiency compared to traditional materials.
#3. Prioritize High-Performance Insulation
As mentioned above, choosing the proper sealing and insulation material is essential to minimize energy loss. Sealing windows and doors tightly and utilizing high-quality insulation materials for walls, roofs, and floors is also necessary. Some effective insulation options include:
#3. Prioritize High-Performance Insulation-
- Spray foam
- Fiberglass
- Cellulose insulation
#4. Install Energy Efficient Windows and Doors
Energy-efficient doors with effective weather stripping can help maintain indoor temperatures and lower heating and cooling costs. Double-pane and triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) can also reduce heat transfer, a critical factor for building rental properties in Orlando, where summers are hot and humid.#5. Invest in Renewable Energy Sources
Another sustainable practice to consider is incorporating renewable energy solutions like solar panels or geothermal systems into rental properties. While the initial investment may be higher, these systems drastically reduce energy bills and make rental properties more attractive to tenants who value sustainability.#6. Choose Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
Installing high-efficiency HVAC systems along with smart thermostats can significantly reduce energy consumption by allowing tenants to control heating and cooling remotely. These features help cut costs and prevent energy waste in the warm Central Florida climate.#7. Opt for LED Lighting
Switching to LED lighting throughout a residential rental property can reduce electricity consumption. Also, LEDs last longer than traditional light bulbs, which can save on maintenance costs while providing bright and more energy-efficient illumination for tenants.#8. Use Water-Efficient Fixtures
Another way to save on energy costs in an investment rental property is to install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets to reduce water usage. Tankless water heaters are also eco-friendly, as they heat water on demand rather than maintaining a heated tank of water.#9. Incorporate Smart Technology
Smart home features such as motion-sensor lighting, energy monitoring systems, and app-controlled devices can help tenants manage energy usage more effectively. Along with that, these features also make rental properties more appealing to tech-savvy renters.#10. Offer Green Spaces
Outdoor landscaping can also play a role in eco-friendly building design. Using native plants that require minimal watering and installing rainwater collection systems for irrigation can effectively maintain a beautiful exterior at lower operating costs. Outdoor spaces promoting sustainability attract potential renters and can reduce ground maintenance costs.Key Takeaways: Benefits of Energy-Efficient Rental Properties
These ten strategies can help create investment rental properties that meet the demand for sustainable living in the rental market and improve stakeholders’ bottom lines. Eco-friendly building practices can:- Attract High-Quality Tenants: Eco-conscious renters are often willing to pay a premium for sustainable features.
- Lower Operating Costs: Reduced energy and water bills mean high profit margins for investment property owners.
- Add Long-Term Value: Energy-efficient upgrades can increase the resale value of a residential rental property.
- Provide Positive Environmental Impact: Building energy-efficient properties can reduce carbon emissions and contribute to local and global sustainability.
