If you’re in the market for a new home, it’s important to know what to look for. By making a list of features that matter to you, you’ll be able to focus your house hunting efforts and find the home that’s right for you.
Experts say that location matters more than anything else, but there are other factors to consider, too. These include access to work, schools, shopping, parks and public transportation.
1. Appliances
Energy efficient appliances can make a huge impact on the health and well-being of your home, as well as the environment. Not only do they use less energy to operate, but they also emit fewer greenhouse gas emissions into the air.
One of the best ways to reduce energy bills is to replace old, inefficient appliances with new, more efficient models.
You may have to spend a bit more up front, but it’s well worth the investment if you can save money in the long run.
The US Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy grade products under the ENERGY STAR program to determine whether they are as energy efficient as possible. They evaluate more than 75 categories of products, including light bulbs, washers and dryers, air conditioners and refrigerators.
A blue ENERGY STAR label will indicate that the appliance meets energy efficiency standards established by the EPA and Department of Energy. Those standards are based on the latest research and technology.
Choosing an ENERGY STAR appliance will save you money over time. Many of them have special energy rebates or other incentives available, so be sure to ask about these.
Most ENERGY STAR certified appliances are designed to use 20% or more energy less than their standard counterparts.
That means they can reduce your utility bill by a significant amount, which will help you pay for the cost of the appliance in a short amount of time.
In addition, most ENERGY STAR appliances are designed to work with your home’s existing electrical system, so they will not require the installation of extra wires. You can even purchase appliances with a smart thermostat or energy monitoring systems to automatically adjust their settings.
Another way that energy-efficient appliances reduce your energy costs is by reducing the amount of fossil fuels that you burn for electricity. This is because using electricity generated by burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
2. Windows
Energy efficient windows are a must have if you want to lower your energy bills and keep your home comfortable. These windows are designed to prevent cooled or heated air from escaping your house.
The best energy-efficient windows use a variety of materials to insulate the glass and the frame, which helps reduce heat transfer.
These windows feature different R-values to match your area’s climate and a special coating that protects the window from UV rays.
These double and triple pane windows are much better for energy efficiency than single-pane windows, which means they save you money on your utility bill each month.
Depending on your area, you can save as much as 20% on your energy bill by choosing an ENERGY STAR-rated window. ENERGY STAR-rated windows meet strict energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
You may also be able to get tax credits for your new windows. These credits are offered by city and state governments to encourage homeowners to install these energy-efficient products.
Energy-efficient windows also block out the sun’s UV rays, which can damage the contents of your home including furniture and flooring. They also prevent condensation from forming on the outside of the glass, which can lead to mold and mildew issues.
They are also highly soundproof, which can be a big benefit for homeowners in areas with lots of traffic noise like construction sites and busy highways.
When you buy a home, the first thing you should do is look for energy-efficient windows. This will help you to save on your energy bills and reduce your energy costs over the long term. It will also make your home more comfortable and increase its resale value.
3.Lighting
Energy-efficient lighting is one of the most important features to look for when buying a new home. It can save you money on your monthly energy bill, as well as reduce your carbon footprint.
Energy efficient lighting refers to any type of light source that uses less power than traditional bulbs. Typically, these lights use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or LEDs. These energy efficient light sources produce less heat than conventional light bulbs, which means they consume a lot less energy and can help you lower your monthly energy bills.
CFLs and LEDs also last longer than traditional bulbs, which saves you money over time. They also don’t have delicate filaments, so they are much more durable and won’t break when you drop them or jostle them around.
These types of light bulbs are especially helpful if you have tall ceilings or lighting fixtures that can be difficult to reach.
They can even be installed under cabinets, so you can easily replace them without having to go through all the trouble of removing the old bulbs first.
The most popular energy efficient lighting sources are CFLs and LEDs, but there are more options to choose from. You can find energy-efficient light bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR label, which can be a great way to save money on your energy bill.
Many homes with a modern lighting system have these types of bulbs in every room, but it is also possible to buy more specialized bulbs for specific applications.
For example, you can get specialty bulbs that are designed to provide just the right amount of light for the bathroom sink or the kitchen island.
When buying a new home, ask your real estate agent about energy-efficient lighting features in the community. You can also check with local government and environmental groups to find out what types of green features are available in the area.
4.Plumbing
A home’s plumbing system is an important part of maintaining a functional and sanitary environment. A poorly functioning or outdated system can waste water, energy and money. Fortunately, there are ways to optimize the efficiency of your plumbing and prevent costly problems down the road.
There are several factors that can affect the energy-efficiency of your plumbing, including how well the pipes are insulated and whether or not they have any leaks.
A good plumber will take the time to find out these things and then make recommendations on how to fix them.
Energy efficient plumbing fixtures include low-flow toilets, dual-flush showerheads and tankless hot water heaters. These are all worth considering because they can save you a lot of water and energy over time.
For example, a low-flow showerhead can reduce water flow by two to three times what an older model does and will save you up to 2,300 gallons of water per year and 330 kilowatt-hours of electricity.
This is the type of efficiency that most people don’t think about when it comes to their plumbing, but it can be a real boon for your budget and your environmental impact.
Another option for saving on water and energy is to use eco-friendly appliances in the kitchen. A new dishwasher or refrigerator can help to reduce the amount of water used and will also save you money on utility bills over time.
A high-efficiency water heater, for instance, can reduce your energy bill by as much as 25 percent.
These systems are also more affordable than their less-efficient counterparts, so they’re an excellent choice for anyone looking to save on energy costs while living greener.
Energy-efficient plumbing is a wise choice for homeowners and contractors alike. Not only does it help to conserve energy and water, but it also provides a few other perks, such as better resell value.
This is especially true if you’re selling your home as potential buyers will be more likely to consider purchasing a property with these features.