Are you trying to cut costs at your HOA? Then take a look at your utility bills and print costs. Utilities can get quite expensive so any little bit of savings here can make an impact. Paper and ink also add up.
The first thing to consider is checking your utility bills when you receive them. It’s a good idea to make sure they’re always accurate so that you aren’t overpaying. Second, consider getting quotes from other utility companies, specifically for your electric bill. Don’t just assume you’re getting the best price, make sure of it by checking around.
Next, you want to consider ways to cut down those bills. Let’s take a closer look at your options for reducing your monthly water and electric bills.
Electric bill:
- Consider going solar. Your upfront costs might be more, but over time, this can be a cost-savings avenue.
- Make sure all of your light bulbs have been replaced with energy-efficient ones, such as CFLs, LEDs, or compact fluorescents.
- Program your HVAC unit so it doesn’t run constantly.
- Consider unplugging certain equipment in common rooms when they’re not in use. Or, make use of a smart outlet or strip. A smart outlet uses minimal energy when not in use but a strip can shut off the power when equipment isn’t running.
- Think about using timed lights or installing motion sensors.
Water bill:
- Don’t overwater plants. If you water thoroughly, your plants will grow stronger roots, meaning they’ll be hardier and require less water.
- Use a rain gauge to see how much water is needed. If the sprinkler is automatic, use a rain gauge with a sensor that can turn the sprinkler off.
- Do preventive maintenance to catch drips or leaks.
Aside from utilities, you can save money on office supplies, including paper and ink, as well. You may find that you regularly print lots of documents, such as emails, announcements, or monthly newsletters. Instead of making hard copies, go digital. These days, you can do pretty much everything digitally, from sending messages and community updates to alerting residents of rate increases and important memos. If you have people in the community who aren’t comfortable with digital communications, create a signup list for those who prefer print documents.
These are just a few ways your HOA can save money. We’d love to help you determine other cost-saving initiatives and keep your HOA running smoothly. Reach out to us today to learn more.https://www.pmiprincewilliam.com/.
