Many buyers are putting energy efficiency at the top of their list when looking for a new home. In California, Sacramento is leading the green movement. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District offers incentives for energy improvements to homes, as well as raising rates for those who rely on grid power. HVAC units are the largest energy users in a home, consuming up to 50% of the home’s energy usage each month.
Energy-efficient homes have a higher resale value
An energy star-rated home is likely to have a higher resale price on House Hunt than a traditional home. According to North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance, energy-efficient homes sell for more than three percent more than the average home. They also sell faster than typical homes – on average, 89 days faster! An energy star-rated home has a higher resale value on House Hunt in California because it is typically less expensive to run.
One of the most common ways to increase the value of a home is to make it energy-efficient. This is a great way to reduce utility bills while improving the comfort level of your home. In addition, making your home more energy-efficient will improve the resale value and save money on utility bills. Many mortgage companies also offer to finance energy-efficient features.
Energy-efficient upgrades can save you money
The most common energy-efficient home upgrades can be the ones that save the most money. Usually, homeowners should choose smaller upgrades that only lower their heating and cooling bills, but also add little value to the home. In addition, people tend to shy away from big-ticket upgrades that can boost the value of a home. But larger upgrades can save you money in a number of ways.
The biggest savings come from upgrading appliances like refrigerators and pool pumps. In fact, these upgrades can reduce your electricity use by as much as 6%. Then again, there are improvements that produce negligible savings, and may even make you spend more money on energy bills. In a case study, researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, Los Angeles, studied 1.6 million homes in California and found that energy-efficient upgrades increased home values by 9%.
Energy-efficient upgrades boost resale value
Putting energy-efficient improvements in your home may seem expensive, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. Not only will energy-efficient upgrades cut utility bills, but they will also reduce the homeowner’s carbon footprint. The average U.S. household spends $2,200 per year on utilities and making these upgrades can save you up to 25% of that amount. And if you’re selling your home soon, you’ll benefit from the increased value.
The real estate market is starting to take notice of homeowners’ energy-efficiency efforts. In California, for example, energy-efficient upgrades are now becoming standard practice. The value of homes with energy-efficient upgrades is increasing dramatically. According to Remodeling Magazine, homes with energy-efficient improvements can fetch an average of 8 percent more than homes without such upgrades. But how can energy-efficient upgrades boost resale value?
LEED-certified homes use 20 to 30 percent less energy
According to the USGBC, LEED-certified homes use 20 to 30% less energy than conventional homes. Some homeowners have reported a sixty percent savings. These homes are designed to minimize energy, water, and waste to support human health. Additionally, they are built to be more resilient and withstand extreme weather events. This makes them attractive to home buyers. Whether you plan to rent or buy a new home, LEED certification is a great investment.
According to the USGBC, the residential market for green buildings will reach $100 million by 2018, up from $55 million in 2015. This growth is expected to continue through 2018 with more than 6,800 LEED-certified homes in Texas. In addition to energy savings, LEED-certified homes also tend to be more attractive to home buyers. And in terms of resale value, homes that meet the standards are often worth more than twice as much.
