Energy-Efficient Home Improvements to Increase Home Value

There are plenty of things you can do to increase the value of your home. One way is to make your home more energy efficient.

Climate change is something many home buyers spend time thinking about. A house that is energy efficient uses less energy, and therefore is better for the environment. Homebuyers are also concerned about the rising cost of utilities. By making your house more energy efficient, you can lower your bills and raise the value of your home.

If you are wanting to sell your home and make it stand out, you'll want to ensure it is as energy efficient as possible before you go to market.

Best Home Energy Improvements

There are many ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home, but if you want to get the most resale value, you might want to consider these first.

1. Add energy-efficiency windows.

When you are thinking of energy-efficient home upgrades, the first thing you should think about is your windows. They are an essential part of the home; from how they look to the way they operate.

Outdated windows could mean that your home is nowhere near as energy efficient as it could be. Windows with bad seals could let air in and out, making your HVAC unit work extra hard during all seasons.

You can make your windows energy efficient in several ways. If your windows are really outdated, we would recommend buying new windows. New window technologies can help increase your home's energy efficiency, such as double-paned windows and windows with solar film.

If you are looking to make your existing windows more energy efficient, there are ways to do that as well.

• Use caulk or weatherstrips to ensure the seal on your windows is airtight.
  
• Installing window inserts effectively gives you double-paned windows which can help stop airflow from going in and out of your home.
• Install shutters. Whether inside or outside, they will help reduce airflow in and out of the home. As an added bonus, they also boost the aesthetic quality of your home.

2. Install steel doors.

When we think of doors, we tend to think of the traditional wooden door. So, this one might sound a bit odd, but when you are thinking of energy-efficient upgrades to a home, one of the things you want to consider is replacing your wood doors with steel doors.

At first, you might envision a big hunk of metal — unattractive and heavy. That couldn't be further from the truth. Steel doors are every bit as attractive as their traditional counterpart and aren't as heavy as you might think.

What they are is more energy efficient. Steel doors are insulated on the inside, which keeps warm air or cool air right where you want it. One of the other things that makes them more energy efficient is that they aren't susceptible to warping or water damage. That makes them more energy efficient because they will maintain their seal and fit how they are supposed to fit for the duration of their life.

3. Properly insulate.

Making sure that your home is properly insulated is one of the best home efficiency upgrades you could make. While it is important to ensure that windows and doors are in working order, it can be easy to overlook the importance of proper insulation.

Proper insulation will keep cool air inside in the summer months and hot air inside in the winter months - which will keep your utility bills low and the resale value of your home high. There are ways to check if your house is properly insulated, but if you aren't a contractor, it is probably best to call an experienced professional instead. They will tell you what to do to have your home properly insulated.

If you have more questions about making your home energy efficient, please contact Expo Home Improvement today!