Sustainable and eco-living living has become increasingly popular over the years. It’s not only helpful to the environment, but it also saves money. Most homes also sell for 3.5 percent more with sustainable features. If you are considering selling your home, this is a great option to increase the value of your home for the best deal out of the sale. Implementing a few of the features below will add to green-living and home value.
1 Geothermal and Solar Energy
For most residential property owners, geothermal energy can be used for renewable heating and cooling through the home.
Geothermal energy is created by installing a looping pipe system where warm fluid is carried through to a geothermal unit. The unit then uses the fluid to heat or cool air and carry it throughout the home using a duct system. Geothermal heating and cooling installation is an investment, but it will lower your electricity use by 25 to 50 percent, saving money annually on electric bills.
Additionally, solar panel installation offers less electricity usage by using renewable energy from the UV rays of the sun. Each panel costs $250 to $350 to install.
2 Energy-Efficient Appliances
Investing in energy-efficient appliances lowers utility bills and saves 10 to 50 percent of energy. Here are a list of appliances that can also be replaced with an energy-efficient version:
1. Washer/dryer units
2. Dishwasher
3. Refrigerator/freezer
4. Air purifiers
5. Humidifiers
Replacing just one of these increases eco home value exceptionally.
3 Gardens
Arkansas is known for it’s outdoors. Vegetables, fruits, and several other plants can effortlessly be grown in Arkansas. Adding a garden at home will save money on groceries and add to the Arkansas lifestyle. It’s also always reassuring to know where your food is coming from. Go green, grow your food at home, help the environment, and save money.
4 Smart Thermostat
With Arkansas’ fluctuating weather conditions, having a smart thermostat could be a helpful investment. Smart thermostats adjust heating and cooling to be best fit for your home. You are also able to adjust your thermostat to a specific temperature that you prefer. Smart thermostats are energy-savers as well as money-savers.
5 Recycling
Most neighborhoods have recycling services along with waste pickup services. Utilizing more of the recycling service will help your community save money by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Recycle anything that can be recycled, and help the environment. Living green doesn’t always have to be installing new appliances.
6 Sustainable Lighting
Installing LED lighting and energy-efficient bulbs saves money on electric bills while saving energy. Also consider adding more windows to your house for natural lighting during the daytime.
7 Build Green
A sustainable home starts with a green layout and design. If you are building, include a green layout in your home design. Also, using local and green materials is always a great way to be eco-friendly while building. Work with a designer that has knowledge on being eco-friendly.
8 Insulation
Adding green insulation will save heating and cooling costs in your home. Some types of green insulation are:
1. Sheep’s wool
2. Polystyrene
3. Denim
4. Aerogel
Any of these will lower electricity bills for your home.
Implementing any of these sustainable features to your home will not only save you money and help the environment, but they will add an eco-friendly value to your home. Whether you are considering selling or just inspired to have an efficient home, these features are perfect ideas to achieve that.
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