BUILDING THE ECO-FRIENDLY GREEN HOME AND SAVE
Homeowners, who want to improve the efficiency of their property should ask themselves these two related questions: which upgrades will save the most money on energy costs and which will add the most value to my house? Choosing simpler upgrades may be the best initial course of action. For example, adding sealant around windows and installing weather stripping around doors is inexpensive, but these “quick fixes” can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. They will not add much value to a property.
On the other hand, people tend to shy away from larger upgrades unless they are absolutely necessary. The high price tags may lead them to ignore the fact that these improvements can add significant value to their home.
With this financing option in mind, here are eight of the best energy efficiency improvements you can make at home. Even better to include in your new home build.
1. Replace High-Energy Appliances with More Efficient Versions
Homes over 15 years old may benefit from a new air conditioner and heaters. Generally speaking, heating systems that are more than 15 to 20 years old are inefficient by today’s standards. And because of all the recent developments in the air conditioning industry, cooling systems more than a decade old are candidates for replacement. Even some of the cheaper central air conditioning and heating systems on the market are more efficient than high-end models installed a mere 15 years ago.
Wise homeowners combine the installation of new equipment with other improvements, such as sealing doors and windows, adding more insulation. In doing this, they can see their energy savings begin to add up.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat enhances heating and cooling efficiency by enabling homeowners to set their climate control systems so that they can achieve optimal temperature for minimal cost. A programmable thermostat makes it possible to turn the temperature down when no one is at home or when everyone is in bed. Also, once you program the thermostat, it will automatically alter the temperature with no other manual adjustments required.
3. Add an Extra Layer of Insulation in the Attic
How much insulation does a house truly need? Newer homes are often well insulated, while houses several decades old (or older) can often benefit from an upgrade. Because “hot air rises,” the attic is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to heat loss. Even some newer homes do not contain sufficient insulation in the room below the roof. In an under-insulated home, an extra layer of insulation could lead to savings and allow a homeowner to recoup costs in a mere four or five years.
4. Install New Doors and Windows (or Seal the Current Ones)
By adding weather stripping or caulking around windows, a property owner can eliminate drafts and make a home cheaper to heat or cool. If taking this simple step is so effective, why would anyone want to spend the extra money to install new windows or a new front door? In buildings that feature older single-pane windows, sealing around the frame may not be enough.
Newer window models do a much better job at keeping the interior temperature regulated because they do not allow much hot or cold air to escape. Windows with wood frames or wood-clad frames offer the best value when it comes to insulation. They are, unfortunately, slightly more expensive than vinyl or aluminum models, but could be worth the higher price.
5. Enhance Air Conditioning with Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are more than decoration; they create a gentle, pleasant breeze. More importantly, they help to circulate air around your home, which is useful both in the summer and in the winter. These fans cost cents per day to power – much less than the cost of running an air conditioner.
6. Make the Water System More Efficient
There are a few ways to save on costs associated with a home’s water supply. Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures – showerheads, faucets, and toilets – use the minimum amount of water needed to get the job done. Some models are adjustable, so whoever is using them can manually set their preferences. Another positive trait of low-flow shower and faucet fixtures is that they are relatively cheap to install. They will pay for themselves in a few months with the money saved on water bills.
Tankless water heaters produce hot water on demand rather than keeping it hot around the clock, thereby using much less energy. Standard water heaters have improved over the past decade in terms of efficiency, so any upgrade will likely result in water and energy savings.
7. Improve the Lighting
Saving money on lighting could be as easy as switching to LED or CFL bulbs. New light fixtures can also reduce lighting costs, which account for up to one-third of a home’s overall electricity bill. Natural light is another option for reducing reliance on electricity. Aside from adding value to a home, skylights or larger windows can be a great option for cooler climates because they let more direct sunlight into the home’s interior. This increases passive solar gain, adding free natural warmth during the winter.
8. Replace Kitchen Equipment
Many potential homebuyers pay special attention to kitchens; therefore home improvement experts tell home sellers to focus on remodeling these areas. Because refrigerators and ovens are major energy users, investing in the most efficient models (an Energy Star-rated fridge and a convection oven) will save money immediately while also adding to the resale value of the home.
Not Sure? Get an Energy Audit
All of these improvements lead to energy savings, and most will also add value to the home. Homeowners who want to be certain that they are not missing any obvious improvements can enlist the help of an efficiency inspector. Energy providers may actually send an inspector to the home for free (or for a nominal fee). This expert will inspect the property and recommend the best improvements to amplify a home’s efficiency – ultimately saving the homeowner money and energy.