Boost Your Home’s Value: Proven Tips for Energy Efficient Homes!
In today’s world, creating energy efficient homes isn’t just a trend. It’s a smart way to save money, protect the planet, and even increase the value of your home. In New Hampshire, there are many local resources and incentives to help you live greener. Whether you're buying, selling, or just want to upgrade, making your home energy efficient has never been easier. And if you're in the market for a new home, South Nashua houses for sale offer some excellent options for energy efficient living.
Let’s dive into some practical tips on how to make your home more energy efficient and sustainable, and explore the local resources available to help you achieve that goal.
Why Energy Efficient Homes Matter
Energy efficient homes are all about using less energy to do the same job. They reduce the amount of energy you need for heating, cooling, and powering appliances. In return, this saves you money on utility bills, lowers your carbon footprint, and creates a more comfortable living environment.
In the real estate market, buyers are looking for homes that offer long-term savings. Energy-efficient homes often sell faster and at a higher price. For instance, South Nashua houses for sale with energy efficient upgrades are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer significant savings for homeowners.
1. Start with an Energy Audit
The first step to creating energy efficient homes is understanding where you can make improvements. An energy audit is a great way to pinpoint where your home is losing energy. In New Hampshire, you can take advantage of local resources like NHSaves, a program that offers home energy assessments to help you see where your home may be wasting energy.
Tip: Consider hiring a professional to conduct an energy audit. They’ll inspect your insulation, windows, doors, and heating systems, and give you personalized recommendations. If you're looking at South Nashua houses for sale, check if the home has had a recent energy audit. A home with efficient energy systems can be a great find.
2. Upgrade Your Insulation for Big Savings
One of the easiest ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency is by upgrading the insulation. Proper insulation keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, cutting down on heating and cooling costs.
New Hampshire winters can be harsh, so investing in high-quality insulation is especially important. Insulating your attic, walls, and basement can save you hundreds of dollars each year in energy costs. Many South Nashua houses for sale already have updated insulation, making them great options if energy savings are a priority for you.
3. Seal Gaps and Leaks
Even the most energy efficient homes can lose heat through small gaps and leaks around doors and windows. Sealing these gaps with caulk or weather stripping is a simple and inexpensive way to keep warm air inside during the colder months and cool air in during the summer.
Local Tip: Check with NHSaves for rebates on insulation and air sealing upgrades. If you're exploring South Nashua houses for sale, ask about any weatherproofing or sealing updates the previous owner may have made.
4. Invest in Energy Efficient Windows
Windows play a significant role in your home’s energy efficiency. Energy efficient windows have better insulation properties, which means they help keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year long. Double or triple pane windows with low emissivity (Low-E) coatings are excellent options.
If replacing windows isn't in the budget, you can add storm windows or apply window film as temporary solutions. As you're looking through South Nashua houses for sale, keep an eye out for homes with energy efficient windows—they can offer substantial savings in the long run.
5. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. These devices allow you to set your heating and cooling systems to run only when needed. You can program them to lower the temperature when you’re not home or sleeping, and raise it before you return.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, properly using a programmable thermostat can save you up to 10% on heating and cooling costs each year. If you're exploring South Nashua houses for sale, ask whether the home includes smart thermostats, which can significantly reduce energy use.
6. Upgrade to Energy Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances use less energy and water, helping you save money on utility bills while reducing your home’s environmental impact. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when shopping for new appliances. These products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Whether it’s a new refrigerator, washing machine, or dishwasher, upgrading your appliances is a smart move for energy efficient homes. Some South Nashua houses for sale already include energy-efficient appliances, making them ready to save you money from day one.
6. Upgrade to Energy Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances use less energy and water, helping you save money on utility bills while reducing your home’s environmental impact. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when shopping for new appliances. These products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Whether it’s a new refrigerator, washing machine, or dishwasher, upgrading your appliances is a smart move for energy efficient homes. Some South Nashua houses for sale already include energy-efficient appliances, making them ready to save you money from day one.
7. Switch to LED Lighting
Switching to LED lights is one of the easiest changes you can make in your home. LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Not only do they save energy, but they also help reduce your electric bills.
New Hampshire residents can find discounted LED bulbs through the NHSaves program. It’s a small investment that delivers long term savings. Some South Nashua houses for sale may already be outfitted with energy efficient lighting, making it even easier to move in and start saving.
8. Consider Solar Power
Solar panels are a great way to make your home more sustainable. By generating your own electricity, you can lower your energy bills and reduce your dependence on fossil fuels.
In New Hampshire, there are several incentives to help you go solar, including rebates and tax credits. The state offers a Residential Renewable Electrical Generation Rebate of up to $1,000 for solar panel installations. Plus, the federal government offers a 30% tax credit for solar energy systems.
If you're considering South Nashua houses for sale, you may find homes with solar panel systems already installed. This can be a great selling point, as solar power provides long-term savings.
9. Use Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology allows you to control your energy use remotely and efficiently. Devices like smart plugs, light bulbs, and thermostats can be controlled from your phone, helping you cut down on energy waste when you’re not at home.
Bonus: Many smart devices integrate with virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Home, adding convenience to your energy saving efforts. Check if the South Nashua houses for sale you're interested in already feature these smart upgrades.
10. Explore Water Efficiency
Water efficiency is another important aspect of sustainable living. Consider installing low flow fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and toilets to reduce water usage. These upgrades can make a significant difference in your water bill, especially in older homes.
Additionally, using rain barrels to collect water for gardening is a smart way to cut down on water usage during the warmer months. Some South Nashua houses for sale may already have these water saving features in place, which is a huge benefit for eco-conscious buyers.
Local Resources and Incentives for Energy Efficient Homes
New Hampshire is committed to green living, and there are many local resources and incentives to help you make energy efficient upgrades. Here are some of the top programs available:
NHSaves: This statewide program offers rebates, incentives, and resources to help homeowners make energy efficient upgrades. From discounts on energy efficient lighting to rebates for insulation and heating systems, NHSaves is a valuable resource.
New Hampshire Renewable Energy Fund: This program provides rebates for renewable energy systems like solar panels and geothermal heating. It’s a great option if you’re looking to go green in a big way.
Federal Tax Credits: The federal government offers several tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements. These include tax credits for solar panels, geothermal systems, and even energy-efficient doors and windows.
For buyers searching for South Nashua houses for sale, it's worth investigating what local incentives are available for making energy-efficient upgrades.
Making Energy Efficient Homes a Reality
Creating an energy efficient home doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With the right knowledge and resources, you can make small changes that add up to big savings. From upgrading your insulation to exploring solar energy, there are plenty of options to help you go green.
As a REALTOR in New Hampshire, you have the opportunity to guide your clients toward energy efficient homes that offer long term value. Encourage them to take advantage of local programs like NHSaves and explore the benefits of green living. And if they’re in the market for a new home, be sure to highlight South Nashua houses for sale that already include energy-efficient features. It's a great selling point for buyers who want to save on energy costs.
Energy Efficient Homes for Sale in South Nashua
Energy efficient homes not only save money but also help the environment and make homes more attractive to buyers. With the help of local resources and simple upgrades, you can create a more sustainable home. Whether you’re making small changes or considering big investments like solar panels, every step counts in creating a greener future.
And if you're looking to move to New Hampshire, exploring South Nashua houses for sale with energy efficient upgrades can make your next home purchase a truly smart investment.
If you need more tips on energy efficient homes or are ready to start your dream home search give us a call at (603) 883-8840. You can also reach out to Our Agents for more information. We’d love to help you with your real estate needs.
