Increasing Home Energy Efficiency While Adding Value

Energy Efficient Adds Can Pay Back Two Fold

Now that we have officially come out of the colder weather months you may reflect back on some higher energy bills. For anyone who may wish to increase their home’s energy efficiency, here are some helpful tips that you may want to consider putting those recent tax returns towards. As a side benefit, some may have a high ROI as well when it comes time for you to sell too!

Windows

New windows have several benefits where they can enhance the look of your home, help reduce energy costs, they may cut down on outside noise and can be a selling point of value when you decide to list your home. Window replacement is typically among the upgrades that you can recoup a higher ROI for on a resale. 

Energy Star Rated Appliances

New appliances can use up to 40% less energy than ones about 10 years old or older which is quite substantial. New kitchen appliances can often be purchased in packages which can be a great way to give your kitchen an upgrade too!

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is one of those items that costs very little but makes a big difference. Seal up all of your drafts and gaps tightly in your exterior doors. Stripping can be added to the sides and top of doors while sweeps can be installed on the bottom portion.

Water Heater

Water heaters are among one of the top energy drains in one’s home. You can upgrade to an energy star rated model for some savings or even better opt for a tankless model and only pay to heat the water that you use when you use it. These are typically more expensive up front to purchase but save on operating costs and you won’t run out of hot water if a family member takes a longer shower than normal!

Garage Door

Homes with garage doors tend to get overlooked as a culprit for energy loss. Many homes have rooms above or next to the garage that may suffer from spillover energy loss. Therefore, making sure you have a solid, energy-efficient garage door will help lower your bills while making it easier to regulate your home’s temperature. 

Attic Insulation

Heat loss in the attic is among the bigger drains for most homes and one of the easiest ways to improve efficiency is to use spray-in foam insulation. If you invest in this make sure to alert buyers about this as most won’t tour your attic. You can even share your lower utility bill averages too while you prove home efficiency!