In today's market, many buyers are looking not only for a stable foundation and a dry attic, they are also on the lookout for energy-saving, green features in a home.
Why is green such a popular color? Potential buyers are becoming more and more interested in sustainability and green living. Young buyers realize that sustainable living works and saves money in the long run. So, what kind of energy-efficient features should you have in your home?
Probably the number one feature you can add to your home is energy star appliances. Most stores only carry these products anymore, so it's easy to find a replacement for that 1970s refrigerator with one that will save you some cheddar.
Energy star-rated windows are another easy way to bring your home to the green age. They may cost you a bit upfront, but the savings will add up.
Programmable thermostats are becoming more inexpensive as they become more popular. According to the National Association of Realtors, eighty-five percent of buyers consider heating and cooling costs to be a major factor when purchasing a home. Programmable thermostats allow owners to set a daily schedule and control the climate of their home. Sometimes, even remotely.
Because solar energy can not be used up and does not harm the Earth, many buyers are looking for homes with solar panels. Solar panels allow the homeowner to create and store their own energy and possibly sell it back to the utility company (depends on your location). Again, this addition to a home may be a bit pricey, but solar panels pay for themselves down the road.
It may seem like a super simple feature, but never underestimate the power of light bulbs. LED light bulbs do not contain toxic elements, convert ninety-five percent of the energy used into light and only 5% into heat, and they last up to six times as long as other bulbs. Meaning you don't have to change bulbs as frequently.
Reclaiming and recycling old materials is a hot topic these days. From recycled barn wood to shredded jeans for insulation, people are finding new and innovative ways to reduce the number of items we casually toss in the landfills.
Geothermal systems use the ground's temperature to cool or heat the home. This makes creating energy the old-fashioned way, using fossil fuels, a thing of the past. However, installing a geothermal system is incredibly pricey upfront and requires digging or drilling on your property.
So, whether you are a homeowner looking to green up your home or a potential buyer looking to save some green on a new home, there are many options out there. Choose one or choose them all. Start small and go big. Whatever you choose to install to make your home a more sustainable way of living will benefit you and the environment at the same time.