Home Improvements That Will Reduce Your Energy Bill

 

The reasons for making home upgrades are numerous. Maybe it’s time to put it on the market, or you want to turn that new house into a home. Whatever the reason is, using green tech is the way to go. Green products yield a high return on investment due to the decrease in energy costs, and recent studies show that buyers are willing to pay more for green, energy efficient homes. But, not all green upgrades look great. From clunky looking solar arrays to stormwater tanks, some green innovations can stick out like a sore thumb. But going green doesn’t have to be an eyesore. These upgrades will help cut down on energy costs, reduce your home’s carbon footprint, and look great while doing it. 

Adding solar panels to save on energy cost is nothing new; solar panels have been bolted onto roofs for decades. But with the clunky array, cables, and junction boxes, they were tough to look at, until now. Leave it car-maker Tesla to come out with a line of Solar Roof products that turn the roof itself into a solar array.The tiles are built from traditional materials like asphalt, slate, and terracotta, and look great. Each tile has its own solar unit, and sports a lifetime warranty.

Having an aesthetically pleasing entrance is paramount to the look of a home. It’s the first thing you see on the way in, and the last thing you see on the way out. If your current door is old or worn, replacing it won’t just add to the look of your home, it can save you a bundle in energy costs. Installing an energy-star certified door made of fiberglass or steel can greatly decrease a building’s heating and cooling costs. The decision of which material to choose depends on the conditions: fiberglass can be better for our harsher winters here in the Northeast. Whatever you choose, replacing your door can yield a 90% return on investment.

No longer do you need a rust-rimmed tank taking up space in the basement or garage. Tankless or on-demand water heaters are wall mounted, take up little space, and only heat water when you need it, which can yield an energy savings of up to 50%.

A great way to boost the value of your property is to give it some curb appeal, and one of the best ways to do so is by adding some quality landscaping. Unlike gardens and lawns of old that required near constant watering and increased water costs, native plant gardens are easier on your wallet in the long run. Native plants thrive because they are used to the climate and therefore require much less maintenance, and have developed resistances to local pests. Gardens aren’t just good for the look of the home—studies have shown that regular contact with greenery can help improve mental health.

Making some or all of these green-tech and just plain green upgrades to your home can yield results that both your eyes and pocketbook will appreciate.