With rising energy costs and environmental awareness growing, home buyers are increasingly seeking greener properties. Adding energy-efficient home upgrades can save you money and increase your property value at the same time.
Upgrade your lighting with LED bulbs that consume 75% less energy than incandescent. Use smart plugs to control appliances remotely and harness solar power for eco-friendly electricity.
Insulation
Insulating your walls, attic, and floors is an expert-recommended way to have energy efficient home upgrades while incurring some costs. Homeowners can also reduce energy bills by replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-certified LED lights.
Insulation (or thermal insulation) is used in buildings to slow the flow of heat energy, usually by containing pockets of still air, which provide great thermal resistance.
Insulation materials commonly used in homes and commercial buildings include cellulose, fiberglass, rock wool, blown-in foam, vermiculite, polystyrene foam, and wood fiber.
Having a well-insulated home not only helps reduce heating and cooling expenses but also minimizes the usage of fossil fuels for power generation. This significantly reduces carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, mercury, and other pollutants emissions that intensify climate change.
A well-insulated house is a healthier place to live and will attract buyers in today’s environmentally conscious real estate market.
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Windows
About 25%-30% of your home’s heating and cooling energy use is lost through windows. That’s because older windows allow heat to escape in the winter and sunlight to enter during warmer months, forcing your HVAC unit to work harder.
New window frames and glass options can significantly reduce your home’s energy consumption. Optimized for your climate, insulated windows with dual or triple panes slow thermal transfer and improve comfort by maintaining consistent indoor temperatures and reducing reliance on heating or cooling systems.
New windows are not only a cost-effective way to reduce energy costs, but they can also add to the value of your home. According to real estate agents, buyers are increasingly looking for homes with energy-efficient features.
Appliances
Appliances account for a substantial portion of household energy consumption. As such, their energy efficiency plays a crucial role in combating climate change and achieving sustainable development. Efficient appliances minimize the exploitation of natural resources and reduce the energy required to perform the same tasks.
When buying new appliances, look for those with the Energy Star label. These appliances have met the EPA’s stringent energy efficiency standards and consume significantly less energy than their non-certified counterparts.
You can also maximize your home’s energy efficiency by adjusting your habits and making simple tweaks to existing appliances. These upgrades won’t cost you a fortune and will help reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. The best part is that they can also increase your home’s value and make it more competitive in the real estate market.
Lighting
If your home is older or you have outdated appliances, replace them with energy-efficient models. Look for devices that have earned the Energy Star approval to reduce electricity consumption. It includes refrigerators, washers, and dryers.
One of the simplest things you can do to improve your home’s energy efficiency is switching out all light bulbs for LED ones. These use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer.
Energy-efficient upgrades don’t just lower your energy bills and increase the value of your house. They also help the environment. Less energy consumption means fewer greenhouse gasses are released into the air.
A green home isn’t just good for the planet but also for you and your family. With rising energy prices nationwide, making your home as energy-efficient as possible is a smart investment.
