Have you noticed that utility bills are going up in Myrtle Beach?
According to the city, water and sewer rates have indeed increased, and Santee Cooper, our energy provider, plans to continue implementing new, higher rate structures that include surcharges during peak demand and higher base rates.
As a rental property owner, you can rage against this or you can make some changes that will keep your costs down.
We’re talking about eco-friendly upgrades, which are a great idea anyway because they attract qualified tenants and increase the value of your property. They also lower utility costs. Whether you pay your utilities or your tenants pay your utilities, lower monthly bills are a big plus.
Let’s talk about what can be done.
Our Overview:
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High-Efficiency HVAC Systems
One of the biggest draws on utility costs in Myrtle Beach’s humid subtropical climate is heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Older HVAC units struggle to keep pace with rising temperatures and humidity, driving up electricity usage and tenant complaints.
Consider installing ENERGY STAR® rated HVAC units with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. If a whole new system is out of the budget, you can also get ductless mini-split systems for smaller units or condos. These provide zoned heating/cooling and drastically reduce wasted energy.
High-efficiency HVAC systems use significantly less electricity than older models while maintaining better temperature regulation, which is especially valuable in beach destinations with long cooling seasons.
Smart Thermostats (Wi-Fi Enabled)
A relatively inexpensive but impactful upgrade is the installation of smart thermostats in each rental unit. We recommend thermostats that adapt to tenant occupancy patterns and allow remote access so tenants (or property managers) can adjust settings without wasting energy.
Smart thermostats reduce unnecessary heating and cooling by automatically adjusting temperatures when spaces are unoccupied, optimizing for peak efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
LED Lighting Throughout Common and Living Areas
Traditional incandescent and CFL bulbs draw more power and burn out faster. An easy strategy is to replace all lighting with LED bulbs. You can also use LED fixtures with motion sensors in hallways, entryways, storage closets, and outdoor areas. LEDs use up to 75% less energy than old-style bulbs and last 10 times longer, cutting both utility and maintenance costs.
Water-Saving Fixtures and Appliances
Water usage affects utility bills and sewage costs, and during the hot summers there are bound to be higher water bills. Here’s our upgrade strategy:
- Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets.
- Choose ENERGY STAR® dishwashers and washing machines designed to use less water.
- Consider a tankless water heater or a heat pump water heater
Lower water consumption cuts both water and sewer costs while reducing the load on water heaters and lowering energy use. And, tankless systems eliminate standby heat loss associated with traditional tank heaters, lowering energy consumption. Heat pump versions further reduce electrical usage by moving heat rather than generating it.
Enhanced Insulation & Weatherproofing
In Myrtle Beach, homes battle heat and humidity year-round. Investing in insulation and sealing reduces the work your HVAC system must do. Some of our tips:
- Add insulation to attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls where applicable.
- Use weather-stripping around doors and caulking around windows.
- Seal gaps near HVAC penetrations, plumbing, electrical outlets, and ductwork.
Improved insulation stabilizes indoor temperatures and cuts down on cooling and heating loss, meaning less runtime for HVAC units and lower energy bills.
There are also ways to make windows and doors more energy-efficient. Install double-pane, low-E (low emissivity) windows. Choose doors with good thermal ratings and tight seals. Energy-efficient windows reduce heat transfer, keeping interiors cooler in summer and minimizing air conditioning run time, which is a big cost saver in a hot coastal region like Myrtle Beach.
High-Performance Appliances
Old refrigerators, stoves, and laundry units can be major energy vampires. If you’re looking at some turnover time or you are negotiating a lease renewal and want to incentivize with a new appliance, consider replacing an aging appliance with an ENERGY STAR® certified model. Focus on refrigerators/freezers and laundry machines because they have some of the highest usage rates.
Newer appliances are engineered for efficiency and typically use much less electricity and water than models over 10 years old.
Landscaping for Natural Climate Control
Strategic vegetation isn’t only aesthetic. It can help control microclimates around your rental, too. Plant shade trees and shrubs on south and west sides of buildings and use ground cover to reduce heat reflection and cool outdoor spaces. Shade lessens the amount of heat absorbed by the building envelope, easing the burden on air conditioning systems.
Invest in Energy Audits and Ongoing Monitoring
Before (and after) upgrades, consider professional energy audits and ongoing monitoring. This will help you get a good understanding of where you currently stand and what kind of improvements will have the best impact. You might want to hire an energy auditor to identify hidden inefficiencies. You can also talk to us, as we’ve been helping rental property owners and real estate investors across Myrtle Beach invest in systems and upgrades that will lower utility costs and contribute to more profitable properties.
For ongoing efficiency, install smart metering systems that break down usage by area or device. This kind of targeted data ensures your upgrades are hitting the areas with the highest payoff and guides future decisions.
As a Myrtle Beach landlord, you have a unique opportunity to significantly reduce utility expenses through eco-friendly upgrades that deliver both immediate and long-term savings. From major equipment like high-efficiency HVAC systems and solar panels to simple switches like LEDs and smart power strips, these investments lower costs and improve overall property performance.
By prioritizing upgrades with measurable impact, you’re showing your tenants that you care about their comfort and their utility bills. You’re also lowering your own bills if you pay for those utilities, rent out short-term vacation homes, and take over payments during turnovers.
Let’s get your portfolio of properties prepared for the energy landscape of the future. Contact us at J & P Unlimited. We manage investment properties in Longs, Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Socastee and the surrounding areas.
