While Arizona is a beautiful state, the temperatures can go from one extreme to the other, and it's important to be prepared. You want to be able to cool off your home in the extreme heat and keep it warm when it gets cold, all while doing your best to keep your utility bills as low as possible. Green is the way to go, not only in terms of the environment, but also for tax breaks. Green aspects are also appealing features to have should you decide to sell your home in the future. If you're ready to make some green improvements to your Phoenix home, here are five to consider.
Install solar panels
Using solar power at home has many benefits, and can be used for everything from turning on lights in your home to heating the pool in your backyard. They're great for lowering your utility bills, but they can also lead to some excellent Arizona tax benefits and deductions. While some don't even look into them because they're afraid of the cost, they're actually much less expensive than you may think.
Use water-saving features
Instead of using regular faucets, toilets, and shower heads, opt for those that are low-flow. It can help you conserve a substantial amount of water so you can save money on your water bill. While you're at it, when you're doing dishes, fill up a basin and skip on running the water, even if you have a low-flow faucet. Running the faucet releases 2-3 gallons of water per minute while the basin holds only 10 gallons.
Skip the green lawn
Sure a lush, green lawn looks beautiful, but one suited to the climate can be a much better option. Considering how hot the temperatures can reach in Arizona, using gravel or sand paired with cacti and various other plans can look equally as lovely. You also won't have to use much water for the plants, nor will you have to worry about mowing a lawn or taking care of scorched patches.
Get energy-efficient windows
If your windows are letting drafts in, your utility bills are going to skyrocket. When you install energy-efficient windows that have reflective coatings on them, you're not only helping to keep your home more comfortable and your bills down, but you're also protecting your home furnishings. Glare from the sun can cause fading to couches, carpets, curtains, and any other furnishings that happen to be in the path of the sun over a long period of time. The coating on the windows cuts the glare and significantly diminishes the problem.
Install energy-efficient appliances
ENERGY STAR appliances can cut your bills down significantly, and come in styles you'll adore. Should you decide to sell your home in the future, new appliances are also going to be a huge benefit. Whether you install an ENERGY STAR refrigerator or dishwasher, there's a slew of different appliances you can choose from that will look beautiful in your home.
Installing green changes around your Arizona home isn't going to take away from isn't going to take away from its beauty, and in many cases, it will actually enhance it. All the changes are going to result in more cash staying in your pocket, especially when tax time comes around. Don't hesitate to do your research; all the changes cost a lot less to implement than you may think.
Please visit my website at www.RealEstateForSaleInAZ.com or call me at 602-696-0379 for your Arizona real estate needs.
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