In addition to a desirable location, award-winning schools, and luxurious finishes, many buyers are adding eco-friendly features to their wish list for homes.
Passive house design, which minimizes the need for heating and cooling through energy efficiency, can lower your energy costs and increase your home’s value.
Many environmentally conscious home shoppers are in the market for homes built with ethically sourced building materials. Reclaimed wood can be used for accent walls, furniture, and flooring, adding a beautifully rustic look to interiors. The Forest Stewardship Council provides a certification process to let consumers know that certain types of wood will not harm the world’s forests. FSC-certified wood is harvested from forests that are responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious, and economically viable.
Cork spray siding is an innovative green feature that replaces traditional paint and has the look and feel of stucco. It’s a combination of 80% cork granules and 20% water-based paint and it can last up to 20 years, providing a strong barrier to water.
Older, drafty doors and windows that let hot or cold air seep into a home are a top cause of inefficiency. Installing energy-efficient windows with triple-pane glass and a fiberglass frame will drive down energy costs by keeping temperatures stable. Low-emittance, or low-E windows, reflect both heat and UV rays, keeping homes cooler in the summer while still allowing light in to maintain a bright interior. A quick, inexpensive solution is to install weather stripping, if gaps between doors and flooring are the culprit, or add caulk around older windows.
For a simple update to your home, swap out older light bulbs for LED bulbs. They provide the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs but use up to 85% less energy. LED bulbs are available in a range of colors, styles, and brightness to match the aesthetic of any home. Some utility companies even offer rebates for energy-efficient bulb use.
Another path toward a more passive home is installing solar panels to reduce your home’s carbon footprint. This is a costlier option and should be considered based on the amount of sun in your area, roof orientation, and if you’re planning to be in the home for several years to help recoup the expense.
The clothes dryer is one of the largest energy users in the home, often using as much as a refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine combined. Make sure the lint filter is cleaned out after each use, use the moisture-sensor setting, and don’t add wet linens or clothing to a load that’s already partially dry.
New appliances consume half the energy compared to appliances from 15-20 years ago. If you’re in the market to purchase new appliances, seek out products with the Energy Star label. They typically use about 10-40 percent less energy than other new models. Some utility companies offer consumer rebates on Energy Star appliances as well.