Energy-efficient upgrades can improve your home value and save you on energy costs. If you plan to sell your house, consider these six improvements to go green with good return on investment.
1. Energy-Efficient Windows
Heat transfers in and out of your house through the windows during hot and cold climates. Windows, then, are responsible for 25% to 30% of your heating and cooling energy use. If you replace your windows, look for these three things:
- The ENERGY STAR label;
- A low U-factor; and
- A low solar heat gain coefficient.
If you prefer to keep your windows, consider instead laying Low-E reflective window film over them.
2. Insulation
Hot air rises, and the attic, if not well-insulated, is responsible for as much as 85% of your heat loss. If you add insulation to the attic, basement, exterior walls, and crawl space, you will reduce energy waste.
According to energystar.gov, you can save up to $200/year by air sealing your house and adding insulation.
3. A Cool Roof
Your roof endures the brunt of seasonal weather changes. It wears and tears and eventually needs replacing. Consider replacing it this time around with a cool roof. Cool roofs remain 50% cooler during summers because they are white (or some other reflective color). Also, the metal material absorbs less heat and reflects sunlight away from your house.
4. Upgrade Your Appliances
Your appliances account for 15% of your house’s energy consumption. Major appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers consume a significant amount of energy.
The Energy Star label makes it easy to identify a high-efficiency model. Use the Energy Star Rebate Finder to find special offers near you.
Homebuyers often worry about additional expenses that follow a house purchase, including new appliances. When included as part of the house, energy-efficient appliances make buyers feel better about paying a higher purchase price.
5. Smart Home Systems
After the release of Amazon Alexa and Google Home, home buyers got excited about innovative home technology. Voice-activated devices that control multiple components of a house can help save energy. Consider, then, installing a smart thermostat, smart lighting systems, and energy meters in your house.
6. Energy-Efficient Lighting
In 2019, the National Association of Home Builders found 77% of buyers want a house with efficient lighting. This is easy to achieve: just switch out lights for LED or CFL bulbs and put in supportive lighting fixtures. New bulbs and fixtures can reduce lighting energy use by 50%.
Save Dollars, Sell to an Investor
If you want to save money and forgo these upgrades, consider selling to an investor. Most investors will make a cash offer on the house, regardless if it is green or an energy vacuum. You can enjoy a quick closing and invest in energy-efficient upgrades for your next house.
