Energy-efficient home upgrades improve the appeal and comfort of your home, but the perks don’t stop there. You’ll notice your energy bills shrink after many upgrades, as well as a nice increase in the property’s value. Should you decide to sell the home in the future, energy-efficient upgrades create more attraction to the home and bump up the value. It is worth upgrading your home to get your share of these perks.But, exactly what type of energy-efficient upgrades are best for homeowners who want the maximum enjoyment from every penny spent?
Conduct an Energy Assessment
You can upgrade any area of the home and receive benefits. But, when an energy assessment is performed beforehand, you’ll know exactly what areas of the home need attention. Some companies provide energy assessments at no cost while others charge nominal fees for the service. The fee ranges from $100 – $500, but consider the money well-spent since you know exactly what areas of the home are losing the most energy. Once you know where there trouble is, you can start making changes most suitable to your needs and budget.
Top Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades
Insulating the home is one of the most inexpensive upgrades, costing an average of $1,244. Energy Star reports this upgrade saves homeowners about $200 annually in cooling and heating costs. Furthermore, insulating the home adds value to the home. A 115% return on investment is enjoyed with insulation installation.
Appliances use about 15% of the total energy consumption in the home. Switching to Energy-Star appliances is a simple way to save hundreds of dollars each year. Certified Appliances, like clothes dryers and dishwashers, significantly reduce energy consumption and likely function better than old, outdated appliances. Compare the kilowatt-hour usage of the new appliance to the numbers on old unit before purchasing to further maximize savings.
More Upgrades Worth Considering
Your HVAC system accounts for almost half (43%) of energy costs. If your current unit is over 15 years old or needs repairs constantly, it’s likely time to replace. The costs of replacing an HVAC unit varies widely depending on the brands and products that you select. Compare the options and speak with your HVAC professional to learn the best HVAC system for your home. However, Energy Star reports this upgrade can save 30% on cooling costs every year.
Solar Panels cost an average of $12,500. The area you live determines how long it takes to recoup these costs. For some people, the savings nearly double in just 15 years for many people. Solar panels offer homeowners a plethora of advantages that other heating and cooling options leave behind.
The Bottom Line
Energy-efficient upgrades such as those listed above improve the quality and comfort of the home. They also add appeal and intrigue to the area. More importantly, they protect your investment and bring more value in your front door. If you weigh the costs versus savings of these projects and evaluate them with the results of your energy assessment, it is easy to make affordable upgrades that save you significant money.
