1. Positive Environmental Impact
Greenhouse gas emissions are the leading cause of environmental problems. Although the issues are complex for one solution, reducing your carbon footprint can help.
To lower your impact, reduce your energy consumption and usage of nonrenewable resources. Switching to energy-efficient homes provides personal and global benefits. One of these is leaving a smaller carbon footprint.
When you keep your lights on, use electronics, and drive cars, you emit GHGs. The more you consume them, the more harm reaches the environment.
Use LED lights, energy-efficient appliances, and public transit as alternatives.
Doing so allows you to use less electricity and nonrenewable resources.
Increasing your home energy efficiency means you become less dependent on them. This allows you to help yourself and the environment by producing less waste.
2. More Comfortable
Apart from the equipment, energy-efficient homes have a specialized design and build. Its purpose is to make you feel more comfortable and lower your utility bills.
Comfort in a home can vary depending on factors like air movement, humidity, and temperature. In a home without the latest energy-efficient features, comfort is almost non-existent.
Improving your home's energy efficiency through insulation can remove air leakage. Although the perfect temperature doesn't exist, right-sizing your HVAC system is key to comfort. You can ensure your home stays at the ideal temperature of 75°F to 78°F with 45% to 55% humidity.
3. Improve Quality of Life
How can switching to an energy-efficient home improve your quality of life? As mentioned, this kind of home features a specialized design and build. Contractors use high-quality materials and incorporate advanced building techniques.
They design your home and plan home renovations depending on your needs and wants. If you want to add a personal touch to your home, you can ask your contractor for customizations.
Apart from your home's design, energy-efficient appliances can improve your way of living. They make your life easy with the convenience they offer. If you use energy-efficient materials, you'll notice how they need less maintenance and replacement.
For example, LED lights last much longer and use less electricity than fluorescent lights. Studies show that LED lights last 25 times longer than ordinary lights and use 90% less energy.
In addition, an energy-efficient home provides positive effects on your surroundings. You can breathe clean air, live well, and feel happy. The best part is you can save a lot of money intended for repairs on standard utilities.
4. Lower Your Utility Bills
Another benefit of energy-efficient homes is lowering your utility bills. They cost less than houses without efficiency or existing ones. Energy-efficient homes are 40% to 60% more efficient than old homes.
When you upgrade, you can reduce your operating expenses. This applies to your electricity, water usage, and heating and cooling systems. Using non-polluting appliances can save you money.
One improvement you can make in your home is installing an HVAC system. It insulates the space, improving air quality. Using a dishwasher can also reduce your water and energy consumption.
Along with lowering your utility bills, these appliances encourage you to go green, keeping the environment clean and safe. Apart from installing devices, you can take small steps to reduce operating costs. Start unplugging your electronics and turning the lights off when they aren't in use.
If you need other ways to go green, consider switching to renewable energy. Instead of nuclear and fossil energy, use solar energy by installing solar panels. You can find businesses that offer sustainable packages.
If you need funding for the upgrade, try taking out a home loan.
5. Increase Home Value
Today, many people opt to buy energy-efficient homes. With all the benefits it provides, who wouldn't want one? When you decide to put your property on sale, you can secure a higher price if you turn it into energy-smart.
This is also a great option if you're looking to invest in real estate in the long term. This is one of the reasons why property companies build energy-efficient homes. They can amplify the resale value and attract more buyers.
Buyers will always have preferences when looking at homes for sale, but energy efficiency is often at the top of their lists. It includes energy-efficient windows, water systems, and HVAC systems. Note that all these can make one's living comfortable and reduce their bills.
You can contact a third-party inspector to test and verify the energy-saving capabilities of your home.
6. Guaranteed Return on Investment
The risk-return trade-off applies to every investment, including upgrading your home. It states that the level of return to earn must increase as the risk rises. In a simple narrative, the more money you put on the line, the higher you must gain.
As investing in an energy-efficient home is expensive, you can expect a high return on investment. If your savings equal to or exceed your home expenses, you can generate a good return. Pulling this good value means your home is cash flow positive.
Why Should You Switch to Energy-Efficient Homes?
There's nothing anyone wants more than a healthy living environment. Energy-efficient homes are not only good for the environment but also more cost-effective in the long run. Building an energy-efficient home is a surefire way of investing in your and your family's well-being.
Apart from reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it can improve your quality of life. Ivy House can help you take that first step to an energy-efficient home. Contact us today to learn more about your options.
