9 Energy Saving Tips for HOAs
Homeowners associations are well-kept and maintained neighborhoods with high standards for their residents. While your HOA may be beautifully run on the outside, have you thought about the energy that comes out of each house and how it might be improved?
Here are nine tips to help your HOA community save energy and lower utility bills!
1. Get an Electrical Audit
An electrical audit means a certified professional will assess the energy used in your HOA’s neighborhood and determine whether or not it runs at peak efficiency.
Energy management systems that run poorly cost the homeowner more money while causing harmful effects to the environment. Getting an audit and reacting properly by replacing, installing, or repairing any energy system will benefit the homeowners and, in turn, will save your HOA money down the road.
2. Set Up an Annual Safety Check
Even if the homes of your HOA are brand new, it is still a good idea to set up an annual safety check. Having a certified technician check your homes once a year means you will know how well your home uses energy, while giving you the foresight to make repairs before they become too costly.
3. Invest in Solar Power
In southern California, we have a lot of sunshine. So why not have your HOA soak up some of that sun?
Investing in solar power boasts a large initial cost but will save your HOA money in the future. Your local power grid will use the sun’s energy on sunny days and store any extra for the cloudy ones.
4. Close the Shades on Hot Days
A great way to negate the summer heat from getting into your HOA’s houses is by closing your shades on hot days. Closing shades allows the sun’s UV rays to bounce off instead of seeping into your home. This will save your HOA plenty of money in cooling costs.
5. Upgrade Your Electrical Panels
Old electrical panels won’t be able to keep up with newer appliances and electronics. This will cause an imbalance in energy, resulting in higher bills and a higher risk of danger for you and your residents.
With an electrical panel upgrade, the homes in your HOA will use electricity and energy with peak performance while guaranteeing your resident’s safety.
6. Create an Energy Committee
The HOA is in charge of all aspects of the association, from aesthetics to membership, so why not consider incorporating an energy study committee? Sustainability carries over into every component of the property, and having a designated group of individuals to create practical suggestions and set specific goals for conservation can be an excellent resource to consider.
7. Look at Your Lights
Light bulbs are one of the biggest culprits of energy use, and not using an energy-efficient option will contribute to higher consumption. Energy star bulbs use up to 90% more efficiently and last 35 to 50 times longer than traditional incandescent, and while not all LED lighting is created equally, choosing one with a smart design can help you meet your efficiency goals.
8. Keep Up on Filter Changes
Dirty filters are notorious for making your HVAC system work harder because the build-up reduces airflow and forces the system to over-compensate. Because of this, your unit requires greater energy consumption and creates more wear and tear, so replacing the filters every three months is recommended to ensure maximum efficiency.
9. Inspect the Insulation
Being efficient means finding ways to reduce overall use, and your insulation will play a huge role in this, especially if you have an older complex. The insulation is in place to prevent heat and cold from coming in or escaping, so checking for proper installation and covering any open spaces is recommended.
SoCal Electrical & Lighting Is Ready to Partner With Your HOA
SoCal Electrical & Lighting is ready to assist in keeping your HOA well-lit and wired safely. From new construction installations to electrical repairs, you can count on our experienced and local team to provide comprehensive, reliable electrical solutions.
Request a free estimate online, or give us a call at 760-699-2686 today!