5 Great Energy Efficient Home Upgrades
As a professional real estate agent, I will most often suggest energy efficient upgrades for your home as being a great idea. The return on investment can be great as you have respect for the planet, save money on utility costs and you can reap the financial benefits whenever it comes time to sell your home. Figure out what is most important for updating in your own home and what works for your budget first, but otherwise here are some of the best ones that will help pad your wallet.
Attic insulation
While it may not be an exciting upgrade as it is something you don’t really see, adding insulation to your attic can be an excellent way to save some money. The EPA estimates that you could save approximately 15% on heating and cooling with effective insulation.
New Windows
If you have drafts coming through the seams of your windows it may be time to consider an upgrade. Even windows with tight seals can transfer passive energy if the panes are not energy efficient. The EPA estimates that you can save 15% per year on energy bills with energy efficient windows.
Upgrade Doors
Similar to your windows, your doors can also be a big source for energy loss. Studies show leaky ones can be upwards or 40% energy loss. Just like your windows, you will want to have tight fitting doors that not only have strong seals for gaps but also are insulated to keep passive energy loss to a minimum.
Solar panels
Solar panels can be expensive to install up front, but the long term financial gain is worth it. Typically the installation cost can surpass $15,000 but most homeowners will pay off their panels in eight years or so with the average panels lasting 25 years.
Thermostat
Buying a programmable thermostat has been proven to work well in terms of saving on energy bills. Energystar.com reports that homeowners can save up to $180 per year on heating and cooling costs if you program your thermostat to their recommended settings. The convenience of programming temperatures to your liking is also a great value add.
