There are lots of reasons to improve your home’s energy efficiency. For one, it’s good for the environment. It can also save you tons on your annual electric, heating, cooling, and water bills.
Down the road, once you’re ready to sell, it can also make your home more marketable (after all, who wouldn’t want a home with cheaper energy bills?)
Are you interested in making your home more energy-efficient and less expensive to operate? Here’s what you can do.
1. Get a smart thermostat.
Smart thermostats like the Nest and Ecobee automate your home’s temperature settings and optimize them for best results. They also have features that change your temperature when you’re away from the home to save you even more cash. According to Nest, its device can save you about 10% to 12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling ones annually.
2. Plant some trees.
Carefully placed trees can do wonders for your electric bills, especially if you’re in a hot climate. You’ll want to plant them where they can shade your windows, roof, and other areas where the sun touches and heats up your home. (Keep in mind, it may take a few years for them to reach full height, so be patient with this strategy).
3. Install low-flow showerheads and toilets.
Low-flow toilets and showerheads reduce the amount of water you use with each flush and each shower. This, in turn, reduces your water bills.
You can also complement these devices by installing a smart water sensor, which lets you know if there are leaks — even tiny ones — in your home’s plumbing system. This can help you prevent major damage and spot costly leaks early.
Replace your roof.
Replacing your roof is another good way to improve your home’s value. According to Remodeling, a metal roof replacement delivers nearly $26,000 in resale value, while an asphalt one adds about $17,000.
4. Update your windows.
Old, drafty windows let out your A/C and heat and make it harder to control your home’s temperature (therefore sending your electric bills upward). If your windows are on the older side, continue replacing them with newer models.
If that’s not in the budget, use caulking, weather stripping, and other tools to block up any gaps. This can prevent air from escaping and help moderate your home’s temperature.
5. Choose Energy Star appliances.
Appliances with the Energy Star logo on them are proven to use less electricity and water to operate and can save you significantly on energy costs. You should be able to find Energy Star models for clothes and dish washers, dryers, ovens, microwaves, garbage disposals, trash compactors, and more.
6. Get an energy audit.
An energy audit is a professional evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency. It can help pinpoint areas for improvement, as well as parts of your home that may be costing you more money than they should. You can usually get an energy audit through your electricity provider or through your state’s energy department.
Cover the costs
Need help covering the costs that come with energy updates? Get in touch with Premier Nationwide Lending today to discuss your options.
Premier Nationwide Lending is an Equal Housing Opportunity lender. Sponsored by NTFN, Inc. 6201 West Plano Parkway, Suite 100, Plano, TX 75093 | NTFN NMLS 75333.
