Are you already sweating your heating bills? Fall is right around the corner and winter will be here before you know it. In our area, the weather can be so unpredictable. We really have no idea how Mother Nature will treat us this year, so it’s natural to think about how to make your home more energy-efficient.
In 2022, real estate agents are often finding that many eco-conscious buyers are looking for homes that are prepared with many of the energy-efficient upgrades mentioned here. Whether you’re looking to lower your costs or to help make your home more attractive to sell, investing in energy-efficient changes benefits everyone. Not only will you do your part to conserve essential resources, but you’ll also save money! And don’t forget to take advantage of the tax credits that are available as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
To reduce energy consumption, and thus your monthly bills, simple changes to your lifestyle and a few home upgrades can help. The agents at F.C. Tucker Emge work with many great vendors who can help you get started with these simple measures to create an energy-efficient home in no time. For recommendations, talk to your Tucker agent today!
Upgrade Your Windows
Many homeowners ignore the importance of properly sealed windows in helping to conserve energy. Older or drafty windows are common culprits of expensive energy bills. While replacing your windows may be costly, it is a wise investment that will help you save money in the long term. If you’re planning on selling your home soon, you get the added benefit of having new windows as a major selling point to tell prospective buyers about. According to the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, you can recoup about 65% of the cost when you sell.
Switch to a Tankless Water Heater
Today, many homeowners pass on traditional tanked water heaters and switch to tankless water heaters instead. A tankless version is far more energy-efficient, plus it will last much longer — a win-win in our book. Tankless water heaters can help significantly reduce your utility bills while also taking up far less space in your home. This is another smart investment that will save energy and costs in the long run.
If you’re not ready to make the move to a tankless water heater, simply reducing the temperature of the water can also help to conserve energy. You can easily adjust the temperature on most traditional water heaters with a turn of the dial. To learn more, check out this YouTube video.
Change to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Does your home have old and dated appliances that do not run well? When it’s time to replace an appliance in your home, choose one with superb energy ratings. Not only will you benefit from improved performance, but you will conserve energy. Outdated appliances are also an eyesore when trying to stage your home for prospective buyers, so this is another energy-saving update that will help you during the selling process.
Consider Your Landscaping
Did you know small changes in the placement of your trees and shrubs can make a difference in your energy expenditure? Especially in older homes, we often see that good landscaping can help save energy. The shrubs or greenery serve as a barrier to block radiation that warms the home in the summer season, meaning less energy is required to cool it. In the winter, the branches help keep the heat inside the house. When buying or selling a home, pay close attention to its age and the placement of plants around its exterior.
Add Insulation
Poorly insulated homes can lead to drafts and uncomfortable rooms. Plus, insulation plays a vital role in helping reduce energy usage. Homes that are well insulated will retain heat better through the winter season. In the summer, less energy will be needed to cool the house. Insulation is an important consideration when buying or selling a home. Furthermore, it’s an important thing to tackle if you’re looking to simply reduce your energy usage over the long term. For more details on the type of insulation, you should add, check out the Energy.Gov Energy Saver site.
Replace Your Bulbs
Remember, small changes can make a big difference in creating a greener, more energy-efficient home. Though it may seem like big projects make a more significant difference, small projects matter too. Replacing your light bulbs is a simple task that goes a long way. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can use up to three-quarters less energy than standard incandescent bulbs!
For all of the latest information on our local real estate market in Southwestern Indiana, you can always trust the professionals at F.C. Tucker Emge. Our agents have superior training and resources at their disposal so they can better educate you about the road to homeownership. Even if you are 6-12 months (or more!) out from making a change, there is a lot to learn about the home buying and selling process, and our agents can help you learn what you need to know so that you can be confident in your decision and have a smooth experience when the time comes. Let’s Talk!
