If you've decided that this is the year that you'll put your current home on the market, you've probably already given some thought to how to make your home as appealing as possible to prospective buyers. The prevailing strategies of recent decades include creating curb appeal and upgrading kitchens, but is this what today's homebuyers really care about? Studies indicate that improving energy efficiency increases home values and helps them sell faster. A home energy audit is a process that involves evaluating the energy efficiency of a home and identifying opportunities for improvement. The goal of a home energy audit is to reduce the amount of energy that a home consumes, which can save homeowners money on their energy bills and also reduce their carbon footprint.
After the residential energy audit has been completed, homeowners will have a customized blueprint of how they can give their home an energy efficiency makeover. Following are just eight of the many upgrades designed to maximize the average household's energy efficiency.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Replacing old, inefficient appliances with Energy Star-certified appliances can help reduce energy consumption and save money on energy bills.
New HVAC Systems
An old or inefficient heating and cooling system can be a major source of energy waste. Upgrading to a newer, more efficient system can not only improve the comfort of your home but also reduce energy costs and increase the value of your home.
Home Insulation
Proper insulation is key to keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient. Adding insulation to your attic, walls, and basement can help reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills.
Energy Efficient Windows
Old, single-pane windows can be a major source of energy loss. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can improve the insulation of your home and reduce energy consumption.
Solar Panels
Solar panels can significantly reduce or eliminate your energy bills and increase the value of your home. They can also qualify you for various incentives and tax credits.
Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your home remotely and can help you save energy by adjusting the temperature when you're not home.
Smart Irrigation Systems
Smart irrigation technology uses a variety of controllers and sensors to determine the irrigation needs of your yard and garden in real-time
LED Lighting
LED lighting is more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and can help reduce energy consumption and costs.
As an added bonus, a home audit can help determine whether you are eligible for energy efficiency rebates or incentives.
If you need a home energy audit, call a professional in your area.