5 Energy-Efficient Projects That Will Boost Your Home’s Value
Having an energy-efficient home is more valuable than ever before. Not only are energy-efficient products better for our health and the environment, but they also tend to last longer, are of higher quality, and save you money in the long run.
Whether you’re remodeling your home to sell it, or you’re looking to make it more functional and healthy, here are five energy-efficient projects to try:
Replace High-Energy Appliances
Both the heating and the air conditioning industries have upgraded their appliances to become more energy-efficient in the last 10 to 20 years. If your AC unit, furnace, or boiler hasn’t been replaced since the mid 2000s, now’s the time to do so. Even today’s more cost-effective models are more energy-efficient than their 15-year-old high-end counterparts.
Before you buy, make sure that the appliance has an Energy Star symbol on their packaging. Products with that symbol reduce energy use without sacrificing performance.
Purchase Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy Star-rated windows are among the most-wanted features from home buyers of all economic backgrounds, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
Not only will energy-efficient windows save you on energy costs, they can also eliminate the hot or cold spots in your home. The Department of Energy has a guide for energy-efficient windows that will help you determine which type you should buy. More often than not, you’ll even be able to recover a majority of your costs.
Get Smart
Smart homes can save you up to 30-40% of energy simply by design. They keep track of your lifestyle and try to find ways not to spend needless energy when it isn’t needed. Upgrading to smart technology is very popular right now, especially with millennials representing 38% of all homebuyers.
However, millennials aren’t the only ones interested in smart technology. Smart homes are also great for people nearing retirement who are aging in place because they make things more convenient and accessible. Smart homes will eventually go from being desirable to the new standard, so jump ahead of the curve by upgrading your home today.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Not only are lighting upgrades an easy way to boost your home’s value – it’s also one of the cheapest. Lighting accounts for up to a third of your home’s overall electric bill. By switching to LEDs you’ll save money and your lights will last longer.
Improve Your Water System
There are a couple of different ways you can make your water system more energy-efficient. First off, consider getting a tankless water heater. Unlike a standard water heater, tankless heaters generate warm water instantly with high-powered gas burners or electric coils. They don’t have to continuously heat 40-50 gallons of water to ensure that you can get hot water on demand. As a result, tankless water heaters are approximately 22% more efficient.
Another way to save money is by installing low-flow plumbing fixtures, including faucets, toilets, and showerheads. Some models are adjustable, so you can make sure that you’re getting the most of your water without wasting any excess.
As energy prices rise, more home buyers will be looking for ways to save on costs. By taking on some or all of these energy-efficient projects, your home will become much more desirable.
