Most homebuyers list energy efficiency as one of the most important factors to consider when buying a home, yet not all homebuyers know exactly what to look for. Whether you are buying a home and want to know what to look for, or you’re selling your home and are considering ways to upgrade it, this list should be helpful.

Choose a Home That’s Properly Insulated

Proper insulation is one of the most important things to look for when you want your home to be as energy efficient as possible. You will ant to look at the windows, doors, attic, and walls to assure they are sealed and insulate well. You will also want to make sure that high-quality insulation has been installed. This helps offer resistance to heat flow and can significantly reduce the costs of cooling and heating your home.

Energy-Efficient Appliances and HVAC Systems

Many people have no idea that it is often their appliances that are causing their high electric bills. You want newer Energy Star rated appliances. They not only help lower greenhouse gas emission but they can also reduce energy usage. Your HVAC system should be without gaps in the duct system, and, ideally, the home would have low-flow toilets and other fixtures to reduce water usage.

Consider the Building Materials

If you are buying an older home then you may not have much control over this, but if you are buying a newer home then you can prioritize eco-friendly building materials such as reclaimed wood. There are also materials that can help make your home more efficient, such as recycled steel, spray foam insulation, bamboo, and even concrete.

Smart Home Features

There are a number of smart home features that can help boost the energy efficiency throughout your home. For example, hubs that offer smart lighting systems ensure that you are not lighting an empty home, energy meters can tell you exactly where you are wasting energy, thermostats that can be adjusted from your phone give you the opportunity to never heat or cool an empty home, and a security system helps keep you safe.

Solar Panels

Sunny Southern California is the perfect place to invest in solar panels. With government and state programs designed to help reduce the total cost of solar panels, you can have them installed on any new property you buy, just make sure it gets direct sunlight. In some areas, the city will actually buyback your excess power, which could make this a money maker for you.

We Can Help Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

If you are considering selling your home, we can help make it more attractive to eco-conscious buyers. If you have just bought a home, we can help make it more energy efficient. Contact Progressive Insulation & Windows at (800) 500-6200 now for your free energy assessment.