Homeownerswho want to improve the efficiency of their property should ask themselves these tworelated questions: which upgrades will save the most money on energy costs andwhich will add the most value to my house? Choosing simpler upgrades may be thebest initial course of action. For example, adding sealant around windows andinstalling weather stripping around doors is inexpensive, but these “quickfixes” can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. They will not addmuch value to a property, however.
Onthe other hand, people tend to shy away from larger upgrades unless they areabsolutely necessary. The high price tags may lead them to ignore the fact thatthese improvements can add significant value to their home.
With property assessed clean energy (PACE) financing options now available in select states throughout America, it’s easier for homeowners to pay for larger upgrades, which can both add value to a home and bring about lower month-to-month energy costs. PACE programs make it possible to pay for improvement projects over time (as a line item on annual property tax bills) with no upfront costs. With this financing option in mind, here are eight of the best energy efficiency improvements you can make at home. If you already know you’re interested in seeing if your energy efficiency home improvement projects qualify for Ygrene financing through PACE, click below to get pre-approved within less than 30 minutes.
1. Replace High-Energy Appliance with More Efficient Versions
Homesover 15 years old may benefit from a new air conditioner, furnace, or boiler.Generally speaking, heating systems that are more than 15 to 20 yearsold are inefficient by today’s standards. And because of all the recentdevelopments in the air conditioning industry, cooling systems more than adecade old are candidates for replacement. Even some of the cheaper central airconditioning and heating systems on the market are more efficient than high-endmodels installed a mere 15 years ago.
Wise homeowners combine the installation of new equipment with other improvements, such sealing doors and windows, adding more insulation and improving ductwork. In doing this, they can see their energy savings begin to add up.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat enhances heating and cooling efficiency by enabling homeowners to set their climate control systems so that they can achieve optimal temperature for minimal cost. A programmable thermostat makes it possible to turn the temperature down when no one is at home or when everyone is in bed. Also, once you program the thermostat, it will automatically alter the temperature with no other manual adjustments required.
3. Add an Extra Layer of Insulation in the Attic
How much insulation does a house truly need? The U.S. Department of Energy has created a fact sheet to helps homeowners decide if their insulation is sufficient for their given climate. Newer homes are often well insulated, while houses several decades old (or older) can often benefit from an upgrade. Because “hot air rises,” the attic is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to heat loss. Even some newer homes do not contain sufficient insulation in the room below the roof. In an under-insulated home, an extra layer of insulation could lead to savings and allow a homeowner recoup costs in a mere four or five years.
4. Install New Doors and Windows (or Seal the Current Ones)
Byadding weather stripping or caulking around windows, a property owner caneliminate drafts and make a home cheaper to heat or cool. If taking this simplestep is so effective, why would anyone want to spend the extra money toinstall new windows or a new front door? In buildings that feature oldersingle-pane windows, sealing around the frame may not be enough.
Newer window models do a much better job at keeping the interior temperature regulated because they do not allow much hot or cold air to escape. Windows with wood frames or wood-clad frames offer the best value when it comes to insulation. They are, unfortunately, slightly more expensive than vinyl or aluminum models, but could be worth the higher price – especially if the window upgrade qualifies for PACE financing.
5. Make the Water System More Efficient
Thereare a few ways to save on costs associated with a home’s water supply.Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures – showerheads, faucets, and toilets – usethe minimum amount of water needed to get the job done. Some models areadjustable, so whoever is using them can manually set their preferences.Another positive trait of low-flow shower and faucet fixtures is that they arerelatively cheap to install. They will pay for themselves in a few months withthe money saved on water bills. A new water heater is a more expensive, yetpotentially more valuable upgrade.
Tankless water heaters produce hot water on demand rather than keeping it hot around the clock, thereby using much less energy. Standard water heaters have improved over the past decade in terms of efficiency, so any upgrade will likely result in water and energy savings.
6. Improve the Lighting
Saving money on lighting could be as easy as switching to LED or CFL bulbs. New light fixtures can also reduce lighting costs, which account for up to one-third of a home’s overall electricity bill. Natural light is another option for reducing reliance on electricity. Aside from adding value to a home, skylights or larger windows can be a great option for cooler climates because they let more direct sunlight into the home’s interior. This increases passive solar gain, adding free natural warmth during the winter.
7. Replace Kitchen Equipment
Many potential homebuyers pay special attention to kitchens; therefore home improvement experts tell home sellers to focus on remodeling these areas. Because refrigerators and ovens are major energy users, investing in the most efficient models (an Energy Star-rated fridge and a convection oven) will save money immediately while also adding to the resale value of the home.
Not Sure? Get an Energy Audit
Allof these improvements lead to energy savings, and most will also add value tothe home. Homeowners who want to be certain that they are not missing anyobvious improvements can enlist the help of an efficiency inspector. Energyproviders may actually send an inspector to the home for free (or for a nominalfee). This expert will inspect the property and recommend the best improvementsto amplify a home’s efficiency – ultimately saving the homeowner money andenergy. Once you know what types of energy efficiency home improvement projectsyou want to do, let Ygrene fiannce them for you.
