Home Energy Efficiency Trends You May Want To Consider

As energy costs continue to increase here in Hampton Roads and throughout the country, home buyers are starting to pay more attention to finding homes that will be cost-efficient to manage both now and in the future. Whether you're a seller looking to make smart investments into your home for future resale value, or a buyer looking to make a smart investment in your next home purchase, you'll want to check out these energy-saving tips, trends, and appliances that can save you thousands in the future.

1. Invest in ENERGY STAR Appliances 

   ENERGY STAR appliances are certified products that are tested to strict efficiency standards and are certified by an independent third party. These appliances are said to perform the same as or better than standard products without compromising performance. Of all the appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, experts feel that an ENERGY STAR clothes dryer is the most important appliance to have, as general dyers without the label use nearly as much electricity as central air conditioning. Updating this appliance to an ENERGY STAR certified product could you save you big within the first few months of using it.

2. Heat Pumps 

   An electric heat pump is one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat or cool a home. A heat pump is a device used to warm the interior air by transferring thermal energy from a cooler space to a warmer space using the refrigeration cycle, being the opposite direction in which heat transfer would take place without the application of external power. Though the initial install can be expensive, the long-term savings are significant.

   
   

3. Tankless Water Heaters 

Tankless water heaters use high-powered burners to rapidly heat water as it runs through a heat exchanger and delivers the hot water directly to your faucets or shower without storing it in a tank. Homeowners with tankless water heaters that use less than 41 gallons or less of hot water each day can generally expect to see a 24% to 34% energy efficiency than homeowners with storage tank water heaters. While the upfront cost for tankless hot water heaters can be more expensive than a storage tank heater, tankless heaters can last for 20+ years, while storage tank heaters' lifespan is generally only 10-15 years.

4. Low Flow Fixtures in Bathrooms 

   Low-flow water appliances use less water than standard appliances, easily saving you money on energy bills while conserving natural resources. The three most popular low-flow appliances that homeowners use are sinks, toilets, and showerheads. Switching to more efficient faucets and fixtures will quickly pay for itself, but perhaps the biggest reason to replace your old water-wasting models is the sheer amount of water you will conserve. You can find low-flow water appliances at home improvement stores throughout Hampton Roads, or by contacting a local plumber.

5. Solar Panels 

   If you're looking to reduce your dependency on traditional power sources, installing solar panels may be worth the investment for you. While going solar could provide significant savings in your energy bill, there are multiple things you'll want to consider before making this commitment. If you're thinking about installing solar panels on your home or considering purchasing a home with solar panels, it's best to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent from Verity Group Real Estate Solutions who will be able to help you navigate return on investments or the possibility of assuming a solar panel loan.

Whether you're looking to make smart investments in your home, or looking to purchase a home that won't cost more to heat and cool than your mortgage, we hope these tips will help you make the best decision for you and your family. Verity Group agents are always here and happy to answer questions you may have about making smart investments for your home.