Energy-saving, eco-friendly home features don’t just help the environment – they’re good for your finances as well. Here are six popular features that can help lower your bills, reduce waste and increase your home’s value.
- Smart thermostats
A smart thermostat can help optimize the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling by learning your household patterns and intelligently managing your HVAC systems. As a result, many smart thermostat brands advertise predicted savings of 10% or more on your energy bills.
- Energy Star appliances
From air conditioners to clothes dryers, appliances are often a home’s biggest draw on utilities. When shopping for new models, consider comparing Energy Star ratings to help select an option that runs more efficiently.
- LED lighting
Long gone are the days when energy-efficient lighting meant settling for pale, flickering fluorescent light. Today, quality LED bulbs can produce light that is all but indistinguishable from traditional incandescent bulbs while using a fraction of the energy, producing less heat and lasting for years or even decades.
- High-efficiency windows
Windows bring in sunlight and views, but they can also significantly undermine a home’s heating and cooling. Energy-efficient windows improve on this flaw by letting less heat out during the cold seasons and less heat in during the hot seasons.
- Low-flow plumbing fixtures
Strong water pressure is a creature comfort many people insist on. But if you can find a low-flow showerhead, faucet and/or toilet that suits your needs, you can help reduce your water usage and bill.
- Solar panels
Free energy from the sun is the tantalizing promise offered by solar panels. Although a pricey investment, they can help reduce your energy bill and even charge a home battery system for use when the sun isn’t shining.
Conclusion
Not all of these features are practical for every home, budget or situation. But if you’re considering a renovation, replacing an old appliance or shopping for a home, these options and their benefits are worth keeping in mind. You may even qualify for rebates or tax breaks on your green upgrades.
If you need funds for a home improvement project, get in touch to learn about your financing options.
