Energy efficiency and eco-friendliness are becoming more prevalent in home-buying must-have lists every year. Making energy-saving improvements to your home can give you a savings boost now and also make a positive impact on the value of your home. Completing a home energy evaluation, or energy audit, can help you determine which of the following upgrades are the best fit for you and your home-value goals.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
If your home does not have a central heating and cooling system, then this is an upgrade that can easily improve your energy costs and add an important selling point for your house. Most home-buyers consider a central system to be a standard item, so lacking one could mean your home is passed up by shoppers. If you already have a central system, but it is over a decade old, it is worth evaluating the new technologies available with an upgraded system and the possible energy benefits. Talk to your HVAC technician about replacing your HVAC system with a more energy-efficient one.
Replace Your Windows And Doors
Windows and doors are often the culprits of heat loss during the cold winter months. Replacing all your windows and doors is a big project, but it can significantly improve your monthly bills, add a key feature if you decide to sell your home, and even make cleaning easier.
Install Or Improve Insulation
When you consider ways to improve your home’s value, you may tend to focus on the eye-catching changes like updated kitchens and curb appeal. But a properly insulated home can be a big win for home-buyers, because of the reduced heating and cooling costs, as well as the longevity it can give to the home’s HVAC system. Find out the best type of insulation for your home and climate and install it in your attic, walls, and basement.
Upgrade Household Appliances
As your household appliances need replacing, be sure to look for ENERGY STAR and WaterSense ratings to ensure you are upgrading to the most energy-efficient options available. Keep this in mind for all your appliances, including dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and water heaters. If you perform an energy audit and find the energy consumption of any of your current appliances is very high, then it may be a good idea to start shopping for more efficient replacements now.
Install Solar Panels
Solar power is great for the environment and reducing your carbon footprint. Eco-friendly home-buyers will consider solar panels to be a big plus, because they get all the benefits of solar power without paying the installation costs themselves. Using this natural, free energy source provides you and your home a level of independence from utility cost increases and power outages.
Energy-efficient upgrades help you now with reducing energy bills, providing tax credits, and giving your home a positive environmental impact. The upgrades further help you in the future by increasing your home’s value and meeting key green selling points for buyers.
