As the real estate market becomes more competitive, you might be looking for ways to make your home more attractive to buyers. Of course, house staging is on your mind. In addition to visible things, improving energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to do this. Not only does it help reduce your energy costs while you’re waiting for that buyer to come along, but it also enhances the comfort and livability for anyone who crosses the threshold.
As you’re focusing on house staging, here are some affordable and easy ways to make your home more energy-efficient and appealing to buyers. Some are more affordable than others, but they’re all great ways to make your home rise in the search list.
Install Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
One of the easiest ways to make your home more energy-efficient is to replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. LED bulbs use significantly less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer, resulting in lower electricity bills and less frequent bulb replacements. While LED bulbs may cost more upfront, they pay for themselves over time with energy savings. Additionally, LED bulbs come in a variety of colors and brightness levels, making it easy to find the perfect lighting.
Upgrade Insulation
Proper insulation is essential for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home and reducing energy costs. Adding insulation to your attic, walls, and floors can help regulate indoor temperatures and prevent heat loss or gain. The type of insulation you need will depend on the climate you live in, but generally, the higher the R-value, the better the insulation. R-value measures the insulation’s resistance to heat flow, and the recommended R-value will vary based on your location.
If you can only choose one area to insulate, experts recommend insulating the roof or attic floor first. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it can reduce heat loss by 25-30%! Although invisible, this is an important part of house staging. When smart buyers see you’ve taken this step, not only are they relieved that they don’t have to worry about doing it themselves, but it signifies the house has been well taken care of, and that you have likely taken other measures to improve the property overall.
Air leaks around doors, windows, and other openings in your home can significantly increase your energy bills by allowing hot or cold air to enter or escape. Sealing air leaks with caulk, weatherstripping, or spray foam insulation can help reduce energy waste and lower heating and cooling costs. Common areas to check for air leaks include windows and doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing penetrations.
Install Programmable Thermostats
A programmable thermostat is a convenient and cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption and lower heating and cooling bills. With a programmable thermostat, you can set different temperatures for different times of the day and week, allowing you to save energy when you’re away or asleep. Smart thermostats take this a step further by learning your habits and automatically adjusting the temperature for maximum efficiency. In addition, you can list your property as a “smart home,” which is becoming increasingly popular.
Upgrade to Energy Star Appliances
Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models can significantly reduce energy bills and make your home more attractive to environmentally conscious buyers. Look for appliances with the Energy Star label, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star appliances use less energy than standard models and can save you hundreds of dollars on energy bills over their lifetime.
Get an Official Energy Rating
Another way to showcase your home’s energy efficiency is to get an official energy rating. An energy rating can give buyers a better understanding of how efficient the home is and can help differentiate your property from others on the market. An energy rating measures the home’s overall energy efficiency, taking into account factors such as insulation, air leakage, heating and cooling systems, and appliances.
There are a few different types of energy ratings available, such as the Home Energy Rating System (HERS). The HERS rating is a comprehensive evaluation of the home’s energy efficiency, with a score that ranges from 0 to 150, where lower scores indicate higher efficiency.
To get an energy rating, you’ll need to hire a certified energy rater or auditor to assess your home’s energy performance. They’ll evaluate the home’s insulation, heating and cooling systems, appliances, and air sealing to determine its efficiency. Once the assessment is complete, you’ll receive a report that includes your home’s rating, along with recommendations for improving energy efficiency.
Including an energy rating in your home’s listing can help attract buyers who are looking for energy-efficient homes. It can also help you stand out in a crowded market and potentially increase your home’s value, as a home with an official HERS score can command a higher price!
In addition to these upgrades and recommendations, there are a few other things to keep in mind when trying to make your home more energy-efficient and appealing to buyers. These options require a bit more funding and aren’t as easy to accomplish, but they add the most value to a property, hands down.
Make sure your home is properly ventilated
Good ventilation is essential for maintaining healthy indoor air quality and preventing moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and other issues. Proper ventilation can also help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce the need for heating and cooling.
Choose energy-efficient windows and doors
Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors can help prevent air leaks and improve insulation, reducing energy waste and lowering heating and cooling costs.
Consider renewable energy sources
Adding solar panels or other renewable energy sources can help further reduce energy costs and make your home more appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.
By taking these steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency and showcasing its features to potential buyers, you can make your home more appealing and potentially increase its value. In the meantime, you just might be making it more comfortable for yourself, too!