Why Should I Install Energy and Water Efficient Appliances in Rental Properties?

Although it can be tempting to save a little money on kitchen appliances when you’re kitting out your rental property, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Sure, value for money is important – you don’t want to pay over the odds unnecessarily. But it’s now more crucial than ever to consider the energy rating of appliances, not just their price tag.

Why? Well, energy prices are considerably higher than they were a few years ago, which means the running cost of an appliance is now more relevant than it’s ever been. A more energy-efficient appliance really can pay for itself in the long run. Then, there’s the environmental impact to consider; energy-saving models can make a real impact, reducing household greenhouse gas emissions by between 10 and 50% in comparison to regular appliances.

The benefits don’t end there. In this article, we’re going to cover all of the key advantages energy saving appliances and fittings can offer landlords, from keeping bills down to attracting a wider pool of potential tenants. Then, we’ll cover a range of energy-saving appliances and fittings in more detail, helping you choose the right products for your rental property.

Looking for more information on energy ratings? Check out our separate guide to energy labels and what they mean.

The benefits of energy-saving appliances and fixtures

Reduced energy bills

We touched on it earlier, but perhaps the number one benefit of energy-saving products is the impact they can have on your bills. A home that’s full of high-quality, energy-efficient products can use up to 50% less electricity than an equivalent home full of outdated, inefficient appliances – and in today’s world of rising energy costs, that’s a significant monthly saving.

Sure, efficient appliances are usually more expensive to buy in the first place, but the monthly cost savings they can deliver often outweigh the higher purchase price.

Environmental benefits

No matter your views on climate change, we can all agree that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is only ever going to be a good thing for our planet. By switching to energy-saving appliances and water-saving fixtures, you can rest easy knowing you’re doing your bit to help mitigate climate change and take care of the planet.

Increased property value

Investing in high-quality, energy-efficient appliances (particularly integrated models) can have a notable impact on the value of your property. If the time does come for you to sell up, you’ll be glad you chose an energy-saving oven or microwave over a cheaper, less desirable model.

More attractive to prospective tenants

Some tenants won’t be bothered by the appliances you choose. But many will be. An energy-efficient home kitted out with modern appliances is always going to be more desirable than a home with outdated, inefficient ones.

Energy efficient products to consider

So, the benefits of energy-saving products are clear. But where should you begin? If you want to revamp your rental property with efficient appliances and fixtures, here are a few products you might want to consider.

Ovens

As one of the most energy-hungry appliances in the home, the difference between an efficient oven and an inefficient one can be massive. If you’re looking to keep bills down and reduce your property’s environmental impact, buying a new oven is a great place to start. Typically, gas ovens are least efficient, with electric fan ovens being the most efficient.

Hobs

Ceramic hobs might be convenient to use, but they’re not usually the most energy-efficient. That honour goes to induction hobs, which transfer energy directly from the hob to the pan using an electric current. Not only does this make them extremely safe, it means that virtually no energy is wasted in heating up your pot or pan.

Cooker hoods

An A, A+ or A++ rated cooker hood or extractor can make a significant difference to your property’s energy usage, too. We offer a wide range of energy-saving models here at Cookology.

Microwaves

Integrated or freestanding, there are plenty of options out there if you’re searching for a more efficient alternative to your current microwave.

Water-saving fixtures and appliances

Saving water is important too, particularly if your property is on a water meter. For example, investing in a newer, more efficient dishwasher can make a real difference.