Home Energy Conservation
According to a 2013 study by the National Association of Home Builders, energy efficiency is one of the most important attributes that homebuyers look for.
Buying an Energy-Efficient Home
According to Scientific American, home energy makes up 16 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. 99 percent of American homes are considered energy inefficient. Many modern homes are built specifically to reduce ecological impact. Here are a few key factors that make modern homes more energy efficient:
- Energy Star appliances (certified as energy efficient by the EPA)
- Low-flow plumbing
- Low-energy light bulbs and lighting fixtures
- Environmentally-friendly construction methods
- Water heaters without a tank
- Digital temperature controls
- Alternative energy sources (solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal heating)
- LEED certification (vetted by the U.S. Green Building Council
Upgrading an Existing Property
Though older homes may be inherently less energy efficient, it’s possible to alter their construction and functionality to increase their ability to conserve energy. Here are a few key ways to make an older property more energy efficient:
- Keep the thermostat at a comfortable but low temperature (around 67 degrees) and reduce the temperature overnight
- Always close the doors that lead to unused or seldom-used rooms
- Get the home’s furnace checked regularly for efficiency issues
- Coat doors and windows with weatherproof caulk or sealing strips
- Prevent heat loss through exterior doors by adding door sweeps
- Replace appliances with Energy Star models
- Use double-pane windows in non-conducting frames instead of single-pane windows
While it’s possible to retrofit a home with energy-efficient features, it’s generally less expensive and more effective to invest in a home that has already taken energy conservation into consideration. The professionals at Hero Brothers Homes recommend making home energy conservation a priority as you prepare new or aging homes for reselling.