Homeowners experiencing high energy invoices are searching for ways to make their homes more energy efficient yet comfortable. Decreasing the amount of energy a property requires can be tackled in various ways, and when combined, they can have a serious impact not only in money saved, but increase the long-term value of the home.

In most homes, the largest energy consumers are the large appliances like freezers, dryers, dishwashers and all the electronics that amuse us and make our lives easier. Almost all newer models of major appliances have gone through an assessment based on the US EPA EnergyStar rating system that determines the actual rate of savings users may realize by buying a newer appliance. Also consider that new appliances are still under warranty, so you can forget about imminent repair expenses, and they tend to do a better job and make less noise than older equipment. Even replacing small appliances like mixers, coffee makers and toasters with an energy efficient model could make a big difference in your monthly power bill.

Many resale and newer properties lack the most efficient insulation in the attic that could severely reduce the efficiency of your home heating and cooling system. By just rolling out better insulation throughout your home’s attic, a significant amount of heat that is escaping through the voids can be preserved. By installing an attic fan, you can pull the hot air out so that on comfortable days you can keep the air conditioner off. More established communities may have more of these deficiencies however if you were to look for Barrie Ontario real estate you might discover newer properties that have better insulation.

If your HVAC system is over fifteen years old, chances are it is time to change it since it has probably become taxing on your energy bill as it loses efficiency and requires more recurring maintenance. Portable heating and cooling units and full home HVAC systems with EnergyStar ratings usually come with incentives for homeowners to buy new that include Federal subsidies, factory rebates or regional grants. An agent will be aware of the rebates being given since it is usually part of their real estate sales training that they have to take on regular basis.

Solar panel equipment, wind turbines and geothermal HVAC systems may be installed to virtually remove your home off the grid and many pay for the investment in twenty years, and afterwards you’ll be receiving free renewable power. You can also use solar panels to power smaller outdoor equipment such as gate openers, landscaping lights, heaters for hut tubs and swimming pool filtration systems. Doing this may boost a Brampton house for sale when there is a purchaser’s market and competition is stiff.

In places where water is limited, or even it isn’t, water bills were soaring and having a strategy to reduce water usage is smart. Installing low-flow faucets, toilets and drip irrigation systems can reduce your regular intake of water.

The plants you select to include in your front and back yard may impact your capacity to efficiently heat and cool your home. Large shade trees, shrubs and well-placed vines will help filter the sun and keep south facing walls and windows cooler. Another cost-saving strategy is to plant evergreens in a row to block winter winds.

Author Bio: Stefan Hyross follows various issues on the property industry and housing market. Search for real estate in Barrie and browse the available real estate sales training courses at the sites. You can also discover a Brampton house for sale and market information by visiting the site.

Category: Real Estate
Keywords: real estate, energy efficiency, home renvations