If you know you’ll be selling your house soon, it’s important to be selective about what upgrades you make. After all, any upgrades that don’t impact the property’s resale value will be money you’ll never get back.
That reality makes one category of upgrades very appealing: energy efficiency upgrades. We all know it’s not easy to find cheap electricity rates, so most potential buyers are happy to pay a little extra for a more efficient home. Add to that that you’ll be able to enjoy the lower bills yourself before the property is sold, and investing in energy efficiency becomes an even more appealing prospect.
If you’re looking for ideas on upgrading your property while making it more energy-efficient, here are some options you should consider.
1 – Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a game-changer for efficiently managing your home’s heating and cooling systems. Unlike traditional thermostats, smart ones learn your schedule and temperature preferences, adjusting your home’s climate control systems accordingly. A smart thermostat can significantly reduce your electricity bill by ensuring you’re only using energy when necessary. Plus, these devices’ modern, tech-savvy appeal can be a selling point for future buyers, potentially increasing your home’s value.
You can add to the savings by learning when your electricity company’s rates are cheaper and heating up the home then letting your insulation handle most of the work of keeping the house warm during peak hours. Different companies and electricity plans will have different fluctuating rates, but electricity is usually cheaper between 10 pm and 6 am when grid demand is low.
2 – Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Older appliances are not just outdated; they’re often also energy hogs. Upgrading to energy-efficient models, especially those with the ENERGY STAR label, can lead to substantial savings on your electricity bill. While the upfront cost might seem high, the long-term savings and the appeal of modern, efficient appliances can also boost your property’s marketability and value.
3 – Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular, and there are good reasons for that. They not only reduce your dependence on the grid — thus lowering your electricity bill — but they also appeal to the growing segment of environmentally conscious homebuyers. While the initial investment can be significant, the reduction in energy costs and potential tax incentives can make solar panels an easy win when upgrading a property you’re considering selling.
4 – Get Water-Saving Fixtures
Reducing water usage is another effective way to lower your bills and make your home more appealing to future buyers. Installing low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets can significantly reduce water consumption without compromising performance. These fixtures often come with modern designs that enhance the look of your bathrooms and kitchen, further increasing your home’s value.
Of course, more efficient faucets can also reduce your energy consumption. The logic behind it is simple. During cold months, most electricity consumption goes towards heating water. By reducing the amount of water needing heating, you also reduce the energy required to keep that water warm.
5 – Leverage Smart Home Features
Incorporating smart home features — such as smart lamps, outlets, and energy monitoring systems — can make your home more energy-efficient and convenient to live in. These devices allow you to control your home’s energy use remotely, ensuring that you’re only using power when you need it. They can also make it easier to monitor where and when electricity is being used, which you can use to identify energy-hogging devices that need to be serviced or replaced.
The customisation and control offered by smart home features also add a layer of modernity and sophistication to your property that is attractive to potential buyers.
6 – Plant Shade Trees Strategically
Planting shade trees around your home is a beautiful way to reduce your cooling needs naturally during the hotter months. Choosing suitable locations to plant these trees allows you to shade critical areas during the peak hours of sunlight, significantly reducing the need for air conditioning. This helps lower your energy bills and enhances your property’s curb appeal. Everyone loves trees in a lovely landscaped garden.
7 – Upgrade to High-Efficiency Windows
Old, leaky windows can be a significant source of energy loss in homes. Upgrading to high-efficiency windows can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs by stabilising your home’s temperature. As added benefits, new windows can also improve the appearance of your home, reduce noise from outside, and offer better UV protection for your interiors. These perks can all make your home more comfortable to live in and more appealing to potential buyers.
8 – Switch to a Tankless Water Heater
Traditional water heaters continuously heat and reheat water, consuming significant energy. Switching to a tankless water heater, which heats water on demand, can significantly reduce energy consumption. Besides the benefit of never running out of hot water, tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than their traditional counterparts.
Buyers also love knowing they won’t have to worry about inspecting and maintaining an ancient water heater. You may know from experience that it is reliable, but convincing others of this is not easy.
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