Today's home buyers increasingly prefer energy efficient homes. An energy efficient home not only contributes toward cutting your utility bill, but can also increase the value of your property.
An Appraisal Journal study shows that for every $1 saved on a home's energy bill, that home would appreciate by approximately $20. Not only is it additional money in the homeowners pocket in terms of appraisal value, but also for the numerous tax incentives available for these home improvements (usually less than $1000). How could we forget the additional commisions that these improvements provide for the real estate agent as well. In other words, "x" % of a higher appraised home is more than one of lower value.
Many features go into making a home energy efficient. Energy efficient products are available for almost every part of a house such as the plumbing system, water heating system, appliances, air conditioning, electrical system, roofing materials, windows, insulation, etc.
So where do you start to learn about ways to make your home more energy efficient? Start with an Internet search. There are numerous web-based tools for home owners to help you calculate the power consumed by the various appliances and systems in a home. Armed with information from these sites, you will be able to make your home more energy efficient. For a more comprehensive, customized analysis of your home, schedule a home energy audit with a certified professional home energy auditor.
Here are a few things you can implement now to make your home more energy efficient.
- Improve insulation of attic, exterior and basement walls, ceilings, floors and heating ducts.
- Use energy recovery ventilators.
- Install solar power systems.
- Block air leaks from holes or cracks in walls, doors, windows, etc.
- Use lighting control systems such as occupancy sensors, timers and dimmers.
- Keep the fireplace damper closed when not in use.
- Install a programmable thermostat to change the settings automatically.
- Test your ducts for air leakage.
- Provide shading for the air conditioning condenser.
- Wrap the water heater with a thermal blanket.
An energy efficient home helps everyone. Prospective home buyers benefit from buying properties that have lower utility costs. Sellers may be able to charge a premium for homes that are energy efficient. And society benefits because there is less utilization of scarce energy resources which contribute to global warming and environmental pollution.
If you are considering buying a home, condo, or any other type of real estate, seek out the services of a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about energy efficient homes. This agent should be able to help you find a home that not only meets your housing needs, but also offers the benefits of energy efficiency.
Set your home aprt from the rest of the competition....call Home Energy Solutions of the Triad, LLC to schedule a home energy audit today. 800-724-4841 or 336-587-8345
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