Homeowners can make their homes more energy-efficient in several inexpensive ways. Cheap fixes can be as simple as adding sealant around the windows or weather stripping around doors, reducing energy costs significantly. Unfortunately, while these small fixes reduce costs, they do not add much value to a home, which is also important for longevity and resale.
Much of what makes a home energy efficient relates to how the home remains cool and warm during the summer and winter, respectively. Homes considered energy efficient have good ventilation and are neither too dry, too humid, nor too drafty. Moreover, energy-efficient homes are outfitted with low-consumption devices to save water and the energy involved in heating water. One of the first places to start is with the windows. According to the Department of Energy, between 25 percent and 30 percent of energy is lost through the windows. However, windows have advanced considerably in the last few years, and homeowners can now opt for a range of features, including windows with more than one pane, UV-resistant windows, and types of frames such as fiberglass, wood, or vinyl frames, to be more energy-efficient. Replacing incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient bulbs, such as halogen, compact fluorescent lamps, and light-emitting diode can also help save on the electric bill. Similarly, unplugging unused devices, such as cellphones and battery chargers, can save as much as 10 percent of the energy bill. Another big fix involves the cooling and heating systems, which can consume up to 43 percent of a home’s energy costs. Many experts state that homeowners should have new air-conditioning or heating installed if their current one is older than 12 years old. According to USA Today, newer units save a homeowner at least 30 percent in energy costs related to heating and cooling the home. When choosing a particular unit, homeowners should look for those with an Energy Star rating or a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of at least 15. The higher the ratio, the more energy is saved. In addition, installing a new water heater can save energy. The water heater consumes up to 19 percent of a home’s energy. Consider a tankless heater, which is more energy efficient in that it only heats water on an as-needed basis, in contrast to traditional tanks, which store and heat large quantities of water at a time. To conserve energy, only use the heater for essential purposes. For instance, instead of running the washer on hot water, opt for cold or warm instead. Installing devices to reduce the water flow is another energy-efficient move. Low-flow fixtures, commonly called water misers, can be affixed to showerheads, faucets, and any plumbing fixture to reduce the amount of water used. Many of these devices can be adjusted to the homeowners’ tastes. Finally, installing a cool roof can improve a home's energy efficiency. These roofs come in white and other reflective colors, and they are designed to absorb less heat and divert sunlight away from home. According to USA Today, during the summer months, these roofs stay 50 degrees cooler than other types.
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AuthorA fully integrated property investment and management firm, Castellan Real Estate Partners has served the greater New York City area for more than seven years. Archives
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