Budget-friendly practices for November and December
As the nights draw in and temperatures drop, both landlords and tenants often face higher costs during the winter months.
Heating, energy bills, and maintenance expenses can quickly add up, especially in November and December.
Here’s a guide to budget-friendly practices that can help you save money while maintaining a warm and healthy rental home.
Manage heating efficiently
Heating is a significant expense during the colder months, but there are ways to stay warm without driving up your bills. Whether you’re a landlord offering bills included in your rent, or you’re a tenant trying to keep costs low, efficient heating practices are the best place to start.
Tenants should be advised to set the thermostat to a consistent temperature between 18°C and 21°C. If the heating system has timers, set them to turn on and off automatically, so it only heats the home when necessary.
Be smart with energy use
In addition to heating, electricity costs can also rise during the winter. Cutting back on unnecessary energy use can help keep bills down. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional ones and last longer.*
Additionally, appliances and electronics left on standby still consume energy. So, make sure to unplug devices like chargers, TVs, and computers when not in use to save on electricity.
Insulate the boiler
If you have access to the boiler, a simple insulation jacket can keep it running efficiently, saving money on heating costs. Consider purchasing energy-efficient appliances, thermal curtains, or smart thermostats during seasonal sales, which can help reduce energy bills in the long run.
November and December are months of big sales events like Black Friday and Boxing Day, which are perfect for picking up household essentials at discounted prices.
Conduct pre-winter maintenance
For landlords, preventative maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs down the line.
Ensure that the boiler is serviced and in good working order before the cold hits. A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently, saving both you and your tenants on energy bills and avoiding emergency breakdown costs.
Check insulation
Inspect the property’s insulation, especially in the attic and around pipes. Well-insulated properties retain heat better, reducing heating costs and protecting against burst pipes.
Communicate about winter needs
Good communication between landlords and tenants is essential during the winter months. If issues like draughts, leaks, or heating problems arise, addressing them early can prevent more costly repairs down the line.
A letting agent can act as a crucial contact during the busy winter months. They can recommend cost-effective upgrades to landlords, such as better insulation or energy-efficient appliances, and will be on hand to carry out maintenance as soon as a tenant reports a problem.
For more advice, get in touch with our expert lettings team
B&Q*
This article was originally published by BriefYourMarket and is reproduced here with their permission.
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