Environmentally Friendly Home Upgrades “Go Green”!

Posted by Admirals Cove Homes on Jun 9, 2014 in Home | 0 comments

Whether you are looking to sell your home or just cut down on your energy consumption going green is a fabulous option for you. Environmentally friendly upgrades not only improve the value and appeal of your home, they are also the best way to cut down on your energy bills. Saving you money in the long term while also doing your part to help the environment by conserving on energy and water consumption. So we have developed a list of the top environmentally friendly home upgrades to help you go green.

1.)   Get An Energy-Efficiency Audit: It is important that before you go jumping into any energy efficiency project that you consult an expert. Getting an energy efficiency audit by a professional energy inspector will help determine where your homes strengths and weaknesses are. The worst thing you can do is go throw money at an issue that doesn’t exist. Be sure you get an energy efficiency audit to help you build a game plan.

2.)   Programmable Thermostats: One of the simplest and most effective ways to save on energy consumption is by installing programmable thermostats. No matter how energy efficient your home is programmable thermostats will boost it even more. You will be able to program your thermostat so that your heat and A/C only kicks on when the interior of your home gets to certain temperatures. Increasing your home’s energy efficiency and saving you tons on your energy bills. This will increase the appeal of your home to potential buyers.

3.)   Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures: A great way to cut down on water consumption is to install low flow plumbing fixtures. There are a variety of places where you can cut down on water consumption including sinks, showers, and even toilets. Plus low flow plumbing fixtures can save you hundreds per year on water usage while also improving the appeal of your home to potential buyers.

4.)   High Efficiency Water Heaters: Installing a high efficiency water heater is a great way cut down on energy and save you money. Heating your water can make up anything from 15 to 25 percent of your yearly energy bills and high efficiency water heaters can really help cut this down. Experts say that this upgrade will generally pay itself off in three to five years. You will also find that certain types of high efficiency water heater can qualify for federal tax credits too. Plus this upgrade will greatly improve the appeal of your home to potential buyers.

5.)   Landscaping Upgrade: Believe it or not but when done correctly landscaping can be a very effective energy efficiency upgrade. Proper landscaping can provide your home with shade in the summer and insulation during the winter saving you a great deal on heating and cooling expenses. You will also find that some plants and other Plus the right landscaping can greatly improve your curb appeal, which will make it more desirable to potential buyers increasing its value. Be sure to consult an expert first.