Summertime was made for beaches, BBQs and bare feet. For homeowners, it represents the perfect time to tackle those summer home improvement projects while weather conditions are just right. With wind, snow, rain and ice out of the picture, which can take their toll on respective properties, the summer months are generally the ideal time to assess, repair and make upgrades to homes.
Whether it’s trying to appeal to cost-conscious homebuyers looking to cut their energy bills or reaching out to Millennials who consistently rate “sustainability” as one of their major values when purchasing a home, filling your rehab with energy-efficiency improvements can be one of the best “bangs” for your “buck.”
And which energy-efficient home improvements should you focus on? Well, here are some to keep in mind:
- Updated windows: Those old single-pane windows often won’t cut it with homebuyers. Instead, upgrade your windows with air-tight models that cut heating and cooling costs, a very attractive selling point for homebuyers. When investing in new windows, the most efficient route is to install dual-pane. This type of window will not only eliminate outside noise, including inefficient air conditioning and heating, but it will make your home look and feel better. The costs will typically range from $600-$5,000 depending on the amount of windows being installed.
- Smart thermostats: You’d be shocked what thermostats can do these days. By installing something like a Nest Learning Thermostat you’ll give homebuyers the chance to control the temperature of their home straight from their mobile device — no matter where they are in the world. Best of all, this thermostat can “learn” the temperature habits of a property’s residents. These devices allow homeowners to customize their temperature profile throughout the day, which can lead to smalls savings on a monthly basis that add up. According to Energy Star, programmable thermostats have the ability to save homeowners, on average, $180 in heating and cooling costs per year.
- Modern refrigerators: Yes, fridges can do almost anything these days: give you the weather forecast and allow you to check your social media accounts. But they are also the biggest energy drain in a home. By outfitting your rehab with a modern Energy Star fridge, you can ensure homeowners they’re saving nearly $200 a year in energy bills by using your fridge.
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