Purchasing a home is one thing, but running and maintaining your living space in a cost-effective way is another. One thing that buyers are searching for in 2024 are different ways in which they can save on housing costs by going green. If you are looking to put your home on the market, here are seven things you can do to help save your future buyers big bucks when it comes to home energy costs.
First and foremost, evaluate your energy bills and review what you have been spending over the past several months. Having knowledge about areas that are most expensive and least expensive will help you be mindful when making home improvements and becoming more energy efficient. By having this documentation printed out and in front of you, you will also easily be able to examine your savings down the line after you take advantage of some of these tips.
Of course, it is important to consider seasonality when examining your past electric bills and when planning for future energy cost savings. If you live in a colder climate, heating will likely be one of your most expensive high ticket items, and therefore an area you will want to focus on first.This will be much different for somebody who lives in a hot climate, where air conditioning and air circulation will be a top priority.
One of the easiest things you can do as a small win when upgrading your home to be more energy efficient, is to invest in new appliances. Appliance brands have made countless improvements over the past several years to make their technology more energy efficient. From dishwashers to towel warmers and everything in between, upgrading your home to be more energy efficient through mindful appliances is a great place to start.
Another affordable and easy way to save on home energy costs is to seal gaps and insulate your home appropriately. Oftentimes, heating and cooling systems do not necessarily need to be upgraded. Instead, homes need renovation in order to become better insulated, therefore lessening the need for heating and cooling.
Investing in a smart thermostat is a great way to save on home energy costs whether you are in the house or away. By setting your thermostats on precision control, you will be able to create a more regulated temperature inside your home and control your spending when it comes to energy. Smart thermostats that have these capabilities are a must-have for anyone who travels frequently or leaves the house often.
If you haven't yet upgraded to energy efficient lighting, now is the time to do so. When it comes to energy efficient lighting, don't just stop at your light bulbs in lamp shades or ceiling fixtures! Upgrade other sources of light such as porch lights, holiday decorations, flashlights, and more, to be LED-friendly and more energy efficient.
While investing in solar power certainly comes with a higher price tag upfront, the return on investment is undeniable. By investing in solar power you are not only making a difference in the environment, also lowering your energy bills significantly for years to come. Not only that, but many towns and counties offer certain tax credits for those who decide to invest in solar, so you can save even more!
We hope this article helped spark new ideas for you to save on home energy costs now and in the future. If you are a home buyer planning on entering the market, or somebody looking to sell their property, speak with our experts at VSells & Associates today.
Whether you are buying or selling, we at VSells & Associates make it our mission to guide our clients through the whole process. We make moving simple, straightforward, and as stress-free as possible.