Concerns about the environment are top of the list of priorities for many Americans when buying a new home, and greener living is something that we all need to at least be conscious of, even if it doesn’t influence our buying decisions.
If you’ve already purchased a new home and want to make it greener, or are interested in buying a home with green features already installed, here are some things to look out for:
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Solar Panels
If your new home came with solar panels already installed, that makes life easier, but if it didn’t, having them will not only help you reduce your energy bills, but will increase the value of your home should you plan to sell it in the future. With various solar incentives, tax credits and rebates to reduce the upfront cost of a solar system, having one installed is a significant but highly worthwhile long term investment.
To make your solar system even more effective, talk to your provider about the benefits of adding battery backup to the system.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Refrigerators, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and other popular and useful appliances are likely the biggest consumers of gas and electricity in your home, and this is typically reflected in the utilities every month. However, by switching to energy saving appliances, you can reduce your energy costs and take one step closer to reducing your carbon footprint.
Low-Flow Fixtures
By helping you reduce your water usage, low-flow fixtures lower your water bill and reduce energy costs. Thanks to less water running through a faucet at any given time, water heaters use less power to warm it up, and with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimating that switching a single bathroom faucet can decrease water flow by at least 30%, this can be a cost effective way to make your home that bit greener.
Roof Replacements Or Repairs
All roofs deteriorate over time, no matter what they have been constructed from, and timely replacements or repairs are essential for making your home more energy efficient and keeping it better protected. Not only will an energy efficient roof give you a greener home, but it will make it that bit more desirable should you decide to sell it.
Trees
The simple act of planting trees around your property can not only make it look greener, but can have a significant impact on your energy usage, too. Researchers have discovered that planting shade trees can greatly reduce the amount of energy a building uses for cooling and heating. Doing so can even lower the air temperature by as much as six degrees, helping you to make savings of up to $250 in cooling and heating costs each year.
From timely roof upgrades and repairs, to the solar panel installation, there are several ways to make your home greener and increase its value, so why not consider the eco-friendly improvements mentioned above and make 2023 your greenest, cheapest year yet!
