Pretty ProgressiveWhen investing in upgrades to improve the value of one’s home, many homeowners focus primarily on aesthetic enhancements. However, cosmetic upgrades aren’t the only ones with the potential to boost your return on investment. As more homebuyers become increasingly concerned with their carbon footprint, the value of eco-friendly homes greatly increases. If you’re interested in going green and making green when it comes time to sell, consider trying these eco-friendly upgrades that increase the value of your home.
Eco-friendly insulation
Regardless of what type of insulation material you use, a well-insulated house helps reduce energy expenses by sealing in warm or cold air so that the air conditioner or heater doesn’t have to work as hard. As such, nearly any type of insulation is eco-friendly. However, some types are especially beneficial for the environment due to the materials they are made out of or the superior air-sealing qualities they possess.
Denim and cellulose insulation are both popular among eco-conscious homeowners, as they are largely composed of recycled materials. While denim insulation is largely composed of recycled scraps of denim, cellulose insulation mainly consists of plant fibers and recycled materials such as newspaper.
Perhaps the most eco-friendly type of insulation, however, is spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation is a polyurethane foam that expands to form an air-tight seal in hard-to-reach areas for optimal insulation effectiveness and unparalleled energy savings.
Energy-Star appliances
Outdated appliances can consume a lot of energy and water. As such, they are a large turn-off for eco-conscious home buyers. By investing in energy-star appliances, you can increase the efficiency of your devices, which will offer attractive long-term utility savings.
Energy-star appliances refer to home appliances that meet specified energy-efficient requirements established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. When shopping for appliances, you will recognize Energy Star certified appliances by their government-backed Energy Star label.
Solar panels
While solar panels have a pretty steep upfront cost, they can pay off significantly in the long run. Aside from the initial costs, homes with solar energy systems get to enjoy free non-polluting energy, which is a huge selling point.
In addition to saving a considerable amount of money on electricity bills, homes with solar panels may qualify for governmental and utility incentives for additional savings. Solar panels offer an especially large return on investment in warm climates where utility bill expenses are high and there is ample sunlight to power the solar energy systems.
