Lower energy bills are a big selling point to home buyers, and many real estate agents have seen that lowering energy use is the best way to increase value.
These energy efficiency upgrades can make your home more comfortable and save you money all year round. They are also smart investments that you can do at your own pace.
Installing Solar Panels
Solar panels provide clean, sustainable energy for your home. They reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, which produce many harmful environmental pollutants. They may also add value to your home and qualify for state and local incentives and rebates.
Solar panel installation involves mounting the panels on your roof, connecting them to one another and to an inverter, and wiring the inverter to a new electric meter and a sub-panel. You’ll also need to have a qualified electrician complete this work.
You may be eligible for a Scotland solar panel grant which can help you improve your home’s efficiency without the financial stress.
Insulation
Insulation helps reduce energy bills by slowing the flow of heat through the home. This reduces the heating required in the winter and the cooling needed in the summer. Insulation is rated for its resistance to heat flow through conduction, convection, and radiation.
Poor insulation allows a significant amount of heat to escape from the home and cold air to enter. This wastes money and decreases comfort. Insulation can be applied to the floors, ceilings, walls, attic, and pipes in the home to help keep heat where it belongs. Eco4 Funding can help you achieve optimum insulation with grants. Check today to find out if you are eligible.
Different types of insulation are available including fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool, and foam. Each has its own benefits and disadvantages.
Air Sealing
Air leaks through holes, cracks, and gaps in the structure of your home are a major source of energy waste. Homes with high air leakage require larger heating and cooling systems to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to higher utility bills.
The good news is that a well-sealed home using caulking, weather stripping, and insulation can significantly reduce energy costs and increase comfort. In fact, the EPA estimates that homeowners can save up to 15% on their heating and cooling costs by air sealing and adding insulation to attics, basements, and floors over crawl spaces.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Using these appliances also helps reduce carbon footprint and other greenhouse gases. These gases are emitted from burning fossil fuels, which in turn can trap solar radiation heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Moreover, they are harmful for human health and other living things.
These ideal appliances can also provide a better quality of life by making your house more comfortable and convenient to live in. They require lesser maintenance, are easier to use, and can help you do your household chores much faster. Additionally, they can help improve the economy by saving billions of dollars on a national scale. Lastly, they can help reduce your electricity bills and conserve water as well.