These days, eco-friendly is in, and energy-efficient upgrades can be a great way to increase the value of Green Bay and N.E. Wisconsin while allowing homeowners to save plenty of money on their energy costs in the meantime. Of course, reduced energy costs aren’t the only reason that homeowners might want to green up their homes.
As people become increasingly aware of their own environmental impact, they often want to find ways that they can do their part to help protect the environment. Energy-efficient home upgrades are a great way to go about it in that they allow homeowners to enjoy better efficiency while still not having to sacrifice on the convenience that they have become accustomed to in their day-to-day lives. Of course, having new state-of-the-art appliances to enjoy is probably something that nobody is going to feel sad about either.
That said, it is important to note that some of the suggestions below are more geared toward saving money and others are better suited for increasing the value of Green Bay and N.E. Wisconsin real estate. Therefore, it is important for homeowners to consider what they can afford to do with their budget, but also their long term goal when deciding which projects to undertake.
So, with all that in mind, what are some smart energy-efficient upgrades that realtor in Green Bay and N.E. Wisconsin recommends to help homeowners boost their savings annually and the overall value of their homes all in one shot? Read on to find out.
1. Up the Insulation
A well-insulated home will not only cut energy costs but is the type of one-time-investment that homebuyers love to see.
Keep in mind that most newer homes will already be well-insulated, but many houses that are a decade or older are lacking. As such, adding an extra layer of insulation to the attic can be a great way to improve the overall value of an older character home while ensuring that homeowners are not spending more than they need to be spending on heating and cooling.
So why the attic? While plenty of areas of the home can be responsible for letting in more outside air then the should, hot air rises, and thus, the attic area tends to be a major culprit.
2. Switch Out Those Old Appliances
When it comes to energy-conserving technology, household appliances have evolved a lot in recent years, and this means that even if that old dishwasher from the 90s is still running great, it might be time to start seriously considering switching it out for a more energy-efficient model.
Generally, any home that is over 15 years of age is probably decked out with appliances that are guzzling up more money than they need to be, and this includes not just the basics like washing machines, dryer and dishwasher, but also air conditioning units, furnaces and hot water heaters as well.
In fact, even some of the cheapest options available on the market today will still be likely to outpace even the most high-end model released anything more than a decade ago, so a major appliance overhaul can really be a great way to save money in the long run.
Not only that though. Energy-efficient appliances can also be a major draw in terms of Green Bay and N.E. Wisconsin real estate. After all, most homebuyers are looking for places that are move-in ready, and would likely be willing to shell out extra for a home that is already equipped in a way that will keep their energy costs to a minimum.
3. Add Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a must for any home that doesn’t have a full central air conditioning system already installed, but they also can help improve the efficiency of an existing air conditioner unit.
This also not to mention the fact that they tend to increase the overall visual appeal of the room itself, so there is really no way to go wrong with this type of relatively straightforward and highly affordable upgrade.
4. Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
For those who don’t already have a programmable thermostat installed, they are probably also missing out on the potential for major long-term energy savings. These thermostats give homeowners the power that they need to both heat and cool a home in the most efficient way possible, allowing them to maintain the interior climate in a way that allows for the enjoyment of ideal temperature variables for less.
In addition, this type of technology can easily be synced with SmartHome technology and virtual assistants to allow homeowners to control their temperature settings whenever and wherever they are. These types of tech-enabled upgrades are generally a major draw for buyers interested in purchasing real estate in Green Bay and N.E. Wisconsin.
5. Replace or Reseal the Windows and the Doors
When it comes to energy efficiency, doors and windows are major players, and leaking sealing can lead to major energy costs adding up over the years.
However, for those who really want to ensure that their home will sell in the future, replacing out the windows and doors completely can be a smart upgrade that can add more value to the home itself. It also bears noting that in homes that still have single-pane windows, a simple resealing often won’t cut it, not to mention that newer windows are just simply better at maintaining consistent inner temperature variables.
While replacing out the doors and windows completely is certainly the more expensive option, it will also do a lot to freshen up the overall look and feel of the home, and that is a win-win when it comes to selling real estate in Green Bay and N.E. Wisconsin.
To Sum It Up
When it comes to putting money into upgrading any type of real estate in Green Bay and N.E. Wisconsin, energy-efficient choices really pay off.
That said, anybody who is considering selling their home in the future and is looking for more helpful tips and advice should reach one of their local realtors in Green Bay and N.E. Wisconsin to find out more about what they can do to make it happen.