5 Eco-Friendly Installations that Attract Homebuyers
Many homeowners are going green for different reasons. Some want to reduce their carbon footprint, others want to save money, either way going green is in. Here are five ways to add eco-friendly features to your home.
Reclaim Gray Water
The average family of four, according to the Environmental Protect Agency, uses 400 gallons of water every single day. Using gray water, however, can reduce this usage by more than 50 percent. Reducing water usage helps to conserve fresh water for drinking, something the entire family needs. Gray water – water from your sink, laundry or tub that is not contaminated by waste – can be reused and filtered for use in your toilet or garden. Set a bucket in the shower and then use collected water for your garden. Recycled water maintains flourishing gardens without having to run the sprinklers all summer long.
Recycle Rain Water
If you live in a state that allows rain water recycling, take advantage of it. You can often capture enough water to keep your lawn or garden green all summer long. Affordable rain barrels include lids to preserve the cleanliness of collected water. Rain water barrels capture runoff from the roof and gutters; a hose directly from the barrel delivers water for garden and lawn watering.
Update Your Bulbs
The American Clean Energy and Security Act is now in full-force, with American manufacturers no longer making or importing 100-watt incandescent bulbs. Lower wattages are slotted for elimination now, so it’s a good time to switch your household over to compact fluorescent lights (CFL) or LEDs. These types of bulbs not only conserve electricity but offer significant savings for homeowners, too. One report found that a single CFL bulb can save $57 over the life of the bulb.
Go Solar
Solar panels are a great way to save on electric bills and attract future, eco-conscious house hunters. But, location usually plays a role in solar panel efficiency and local demand. For instance, buyers searching for homes in San Diego might prioritize solar panels as they drastically diminish utility costs and increase resale value, especially when featured in Southern California.
Alternatively, individuals house hunting in Seattle might deprioritize solar panels, since they aren’t as efficient without regular, direct sunlight. However, the beauty of solar panels is they can take any amount of sunshine and still make a difference in the total energy used in a home Solar power can be very affordable if you live in California, New York, Connecticut and other great solar states; and NRG Home Solar offers financing options that include no money down and a low monthly payment plan.
Get Geothermal
Below the frost line, the ground stays the same temperature year-round. Geothermal systems tap into consistent ground temperatures by laying pipes underground that cycle refrigerant fluid, which adapts to the ground temperature before radiating throughout the home. In the winter, cool home air is heated and in the summer warm home air is cooled. The natural cycle reduces the amount of energy used in a home. So, if you’re considering relocation to a state plagued by icy winters or scorching summers – or you already live in one – this system could be a savvy solution to high electric bills. The system itself can be expensive to install (as much as $30,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home) but tax incentives and lower bills can offset that expense over time.
Adding eco-friendly features to your home doesn’t have to break your budget. Start by making small changes around the house and you’ll be saving money in no time!
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