It’s no mystery that sustainable, energy-efficient upgrades are the trending additions many homeowners consider to improve the value and efficiency of their homes. With home prices soaring, many choose to stay put and invest in their current homes. And while green upgrades can be a costly pill to swallow, these upfront investments pay off in the long run as they will increase the value, comfort, and sustainability of your home.
In the event you choose to sell your home and are looking to cash in on your investment, making a few minor improvements result in the return on investment you are looking for. Tap into these five green upgrades that will increase the value of your home by maximizing the sustainability factor.
Install Triple-Pane Windows
As the saying goes, eyes are the window to the soul, so a good window is an eye to your home. Windows offer an aesthetically pleasing element to the exterior of your home – and interior – providing natural light and a view of the outside world. Different researches note that heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.
A faulty, old window can dim this view quickly, not only for your visual enjoyment but also for your wallet. While smart thermostats do a great deal in regulating temperatures, you want to keep those comfortable inside the home, and efficient triple-pane windows do just that. They prevent heat dissipation and reduce your energy bills by keeping your home at a moderate temperature.
Get a Smart Thermostat
We’ve seen them. Our neighbors most likely have them. But are they worth the price tag? The idea is pretty simple – once installed, these intuitive little devices start to familiarize themselves with your heating and cooling preferences. So much so that the average homebuyer can leave the temperature adjustments to the mechanism itself.
If you are wondering what’s cooler (or hotter) than that? Smartphone functionality! Control your temperature preferences at your fingertips. But given that these devices are so intuitive, they’ll most likely do much of the controlling for you while lowering your costs, keeping you comfortable all year long.
Energy-Efficient Appliances are a key
Whether you are in the market to sell your home or increase the overall value and function; swapping your old, energy-sucking appliances with new efficient models provides an instant eye-catching improvement to your space and saves money. Many homebuyers are motivated by aesthetically pleasing spaces such as updated kitchens and bathrooms, which are two of the most important areas people consider when looking for a new home.
While buying an energy-saving appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR logo for authenticity. ENERGY STAR-certified coolers are 10-30% more efficient than models that meet the federal minimum energy efficiency standard.
Solar Panels are a “Green” Life
Reducing ecological footprint seems to be all the rage right now as many of us are trying to navigate daily life by making more sustainable choices and changes. For homeowners and homebuyers, reducing the cost of their monthly electricity bill is the driving force behind making the switch to solar panels.
Statistics show that having a solar system can increase the value of a home by about $15,000. By installing solar panels, homeowners are generating their electricity, turning their properties into small little electricity hubs. While solar panels do have a palpable upfront cost, the money saved in the long run and the reduced environmental impact are enough for many to make the switch.
And with the push to go green, many towns, states, and government-funded opportunities are out there, providing homeowners with rebates to not only sweeten the deal by decreasing the financial burden. For example, Canada Greener Homes Grant gives up to $5,000 for homeowners to opt for new green energy efficiency projects for their houses.
Also Read: Seven Super Easy Home Improvements Anyone Can Make
Water Filtration System is Healthy & Effective
With many people doing their part to make their homes more eco-friendly, comes a desire to improve health and wellbeing. Some homeowners have been installing water filtration systems in their homes for a myriad of benefits. For instance, filtration systems remove harmful chemicals from the water and are cost-effective and energy-efficient. Moreover, a good water filtration system adds to the value of your home, appealing to prospective buyers.
While many of us turn to the occasional bottled water, these too pose a health risk, as the CDC states, contaminated bottled water can harm your health. These health risks include gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick from some contaminants. Additionally, reducing the ecological footprint is another benefit of installing a water filtration system.
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