We only get one planet. We usually only get one home, too. So might as well be mindful with the things we get and start building energy efficient homes that help save electricity and help save the earth.
If you’re looking to renovate your home this season, energy efficiency is in style. Some states will even pay you for taking the steps to cut your utility bills.
5 Reason To Build Energy Efficient Homes
From energy efficient appliances to new innovations like solar panels, you can save money and feel good about your carbon footprint.
It Will Have a Higher Resale Value
Energy efficient homes are leading the market. In the Chicago area, energy efficient homes sold almost one third faster than houses that didn’t have any energy efficiency upgrades.
These homes are also worth more money – average sale prices were up by 4,000 dollars. Prospective buyers of homes realize how much money they’re going to be saving in the long run due to decreased electricity costs, and that creates a premium on your energy efficient home.
The more upgraded a home is, the more appealing it is when it’s on the market, and the upgraded features will make it stand out from the rest.
You’ll Save Yourself a Boatload of Money
Switching to energy-efficient appliances can add up very quickly to save you money.
Replacing just five light fixtures with Energy Star bulbs can save you up to 75 dollars a year if they lights are used frequently.
If you dial back the thermostat on your heating and cooling units by about seven degrees for eight hours a day, you can save ten percent on a whopping electricity bill, which can be a sky-high number.
Even a simple step like making sure you use sleep mode on your computer saves you up to four percent off your electricity bill.
Consumers can save 4.6 billion dollars in energy over the next twenty years if using an energy-efficient manufactured home.
You’re Saving the Environment
Energy efficiency measures help to reduce your carbon footprint. Lowering the amount of electricity your utility uses reduces your own greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2015, coal or natural gas accounted for 66% of U.S. electricity generated from facilities of a utility scale. 20% of power was generated from nuclear power plants. All of this combined created 37% of the U.S. carbon dioxide emissions that were related to energy.
When you build an energy efficient home, you can rely less and less on these carbon power plants. Reduce your home’s demand for these resources and help improve the environment by cutting back on your carbon dioxide emissions.
If one single CLF bulb was put into every American home in place of an incandescent light bulb, enough electricity would be saved in order to reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions to the equivalent of taking 800,000 cars off the road. They’ll also save you on your electric bill.
If you want to take your home’s energy costs into assessment and get your electricity redone to reduce your emissions, talk to an electrician.
Before you hire an electrician, there are some essential questions you need to ask them first to ensure you’re getting an expert. Ask them to see a portfolio of their past work, see if they offer any warranties, and research their specific experience with your project. Read more to learn all the questions you should pose to them.
Your Quality of Life Goes Up
The energy efficient gadgets that you’re choosing for your home also provide you with better lighting, more efficient heating systems, and a smarter home in general.
Your light bulbs will be more energy-efficient and brighter, reducing strain on your eyes.
You can get smart thermostats that respond to your voice and know exactly what temperature to heat or cool your home too. Also, properly insulating your home can make your home cooler and more comfortable. It can also be drier, warmer, and more properly ventilated, which could lead to health benefits now that you’re no longer as prone to mold growth.
Energy efficiency also helps reduce the buildup of indoor pollutants. You don’t have to worry as much about radon emissions or other emissions clogging up your home and affecting your health.
Saving money also will help increase your level of happiness when it comes to the most efficient home design. Earning money through your home’s sustainability will let you invest in other aspects of your life.
Help Boost the Economy
When you build an energy efficient home, you’re not just helping your own electric bill, you’re actually benefitting your city.
The construction sector takes up 10% of the world GDP and is only set to increase. Making an investment in long-lasting energy and placing a focus on sustainability creates jobs, and ensure your house will have a longer economic lifespan than it previously did.
You also cut back on air pollution with energy efficient fuel combustion, and make residential energy use much safer. You’re pumping money into real estate when you make efficient upgrades on your home.
Why It’s Not Just for Houses
If it’s a great idea to build energy efficient homes, it’s also a great idea to build energy efficient offices and business. Other than the obvious reasons? Reputation, reputation, reputation.
Millennials and Generation Z, those currently aged 15-20, care much more about the environment than ever before. They’re willing to pay extra for products that are environmentally friendly versus those that aren’t sustainable. Three out of four of this group of people said they’d pay more for sustainable products.
The baby boomers aren’t exempt. 51% of them are willing to pay extra as well. So when it comes to choosing a business that is or isn’t energy efficient, not only would they select an energy efficient business first, they’d be willing to pay a premium for it. 66% of people globally overall would pay more for environmentally friendly products.
So if you’re looking for new strategies to get people to come to your practice, build energy efficient. People will notice and appreciate your dedication to making steps toward helping the environment.