Energy efficiency raises home values and makes it easier to sell. This article describes how to make your home more energy efficient.

What are the features of an energy-efficient house? What do you think of hearing the words “eco-friendly home”? The following article will explain these concepts and describe the features of an energy efficient house.

It is widely accepted that future homes will be more environmentally friendly. Green home building has become more than just a trend in recent years. Every day, more and more people want to build an eco-friendly home. A smart investment in environmentally friendly features can pay off in various ways, both now and in the future. Thus, it is important to understand which home features contribute to a higher energy efficiency score. 

Buying a new energy-efficient home or making energy-efficiency upgrades to your current home can help you live more comfortably, save money, and protect the environment. Any real estate agent should know about energy-efficient homes, as potential buyers and property owners are becoming more aware of the importance of energy efficiency in the real estate market. Potential buyers prefer homes with energy-efficient features and lower utility bills, even if they cost a little more. As the cost of utilities such as electricity and heating fuel continues to rise, there is a surge in demand for comfortable, affordable homes. Real estate agents can also profit from this rapidly growing market by informing their clients about the benefits of buying a more energy-efficient home.

How to build an energy-efficient home?

Here are a few things to consider when remodeling or building an energy-efficient house. The best way to make a house more energy-efficient is to focus on the building envelope- windows, walls, doors, and roofs. The next step is to improve the energy efficiency of lighting, heating, cooling, and energy star appliances. Finally, consider renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal.

1. Proper insulation

Insulating your home properly is one of the most effective ways to save energy and increase the value of your home. Insulation keeps your home warm during the winter and cool during the summer. This reduces the need for costly artificial heating and cooling systems while saving you money on utility bills. Thus, it’s worth the extra cost to build a well-insulated home. You can insulate windows, walls, and even floors, depending on the design of your home. Research suggests that homebuyers would rather pay a higher price for an energy-efficient home. If you intend to sell your home, consider insulation options. Even if your expenses are high, you will get your money back when you sell.

2. Smart technology

A smart home can significantly reduce a home’s energy consumption. Smart technologies are now more accessible and affordable than ever. One of the most popular smart home technology devices is the smart thermostat. They are environmentally friendly and can maintain your home’s temperature while you’re away or at home. For that reason, they can reduce your utility bills. A smart lighting system can also control and limit energy costs. A lighting system can control the lights in your home and follow your routines to turn energy-saving light bulbs on and off. In addition, automatic smart fans can be programmed to detect and control the temperature in the home. Smart tech is easy to set up. Most people can connect smart home devices using a smartphone, Wi-Fi, and an outlet.

3. Water conservation

Even though water efficiency has been less of a focus in the transition to green buildings than energy efficiency, the real estate industry is finally waking up to the options for water efficiency. According to statistics, buildings account for a significant portion of global water consumption. As a result, the policy has shifted in recent years toward water-efficient building design and construction. Several low-cost technologies, such as rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, water sensors, and low-flow plumbing, can improve building water efficiencies.

Buildings with rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling systems have their own water supply, ensuring a consistent supply during droughts and water restrictions. Some sensors can detect leaks, reduce water pressure, and control water flow. Furthermore, low-flow faucets, showers, and toilets can save up to 80% of water. Although recycling, harvesting, and sensor systems are costly, they reduce water consumption and save money on bills. Real estate firms can appear innovative and eco-friendly by implementing water-saving technologies. Experts in water conservation and the real estate industry can develop a long-term water management strategy, inspect water, and recommend cost-efficient recycling techniques.

4. Renewable energy

Renewable energy sources can help you save money on energy, reduce your carbon footprint, and make your home more sustainable. Many homeowners are considering installing renewable energy technology as their energy bills rise due to inflation and the cost of living crisis.

Solar energy

Young homeowners are increasingly interested in solar panels, which were once expensive and unpopular. Solar panels turn sunlight into energy that can be used to power home appliances. Research shows that solar panels add approximately 4% to the value of a house.

Wind energy

Small rooftop turbines can generate wind energy. Wind energy isn’t as popular in homes as solar panels because wind turbines take up more space and only work well in windy areas.

Geothermal heat pumps

Geothermal energy has helped many reduce their utility bills by up to 80% while heating and cooling their homes year-round. The question is how to use this energy for heating and cooling. Geothermal heat pumps use ground temperature to cool and heat homes in the summer and winter. Geothermal heat pumps are affordable and sustainable, but they’re less popular than solar panels and have less impact on property value.

Bottom Line

Energy-efficient buildings benefit potential buyers, property owners, and real estate agents. It helps property owners by lowering energy costs, improving all-year comfort, and increasing home resale value. It is advantageous for real estate agents because it increases customer satisfaction, resulting in more referrals and a higher commission rate.

To recap, here are the four most important features of energy-efficient homes:

1. Proper insulation
2. Smart technology
3. Water conservation
4. Renewable energy

About Ziba Property

Ziba Property can help you buy, sell, or rent a house, condo, or apartment by putting you in touch with landlords, property managers, and real estate agents. Our goal at Ziba Property is to create a safe and reliable online marketplace where potential buyers and property owners can find high-quality real estate deals. To learn more about Ziba Property, click here or download the app on Play Store and App Store.