As a homeowner, the value of your property is probably an important factor in deciding which home improvement projects are worth the investment. Backyard landscaping, the addition of a pool, and replacing floors and countertops can all increase your home’s value. However, one upgrade you may not have considered is adding features that increase your home’s energy efficiency. Many of today’s homebuyers are looking for energy-friendly homes, and investing in these types of improvements may allow you to sell your home for a greater profit in the future.

New Doors and Windows

If you own an older home, air treated by your heating, ventilation, and cooling system may be escaping through gaps around doors and through old, poorly-insulated windows. One way to prevent this and increase your home’s value is to invest in doors and windows that are designed to save energy. Not only may you see a drop in your energy bills, you may notice fewer drafts during cold weather. If you are uncertain about which new windows and doors may best suit your home, contact a local contractor or professional installation company.

 Replace Insulation

If it has been some time since you have had your home’s insulation installed, you may want to consider having it inspected and replaced if necessary. While most types of indoor insulation can last for decades when installed properly, it can be affected by a variety of factors including the presence of mold, mildew, and extreme heat. When insulation starts to degrade, it can affect how efficiently your home retains and uses energy. Focus on attic, wall, and ceiling insulation to minimize heat loss and optimize the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Water Heating and Fixtures

A United States government website notes that almost twenty percent of a home’s energy use is consumed by water heating. Because this is quite a significant amount, upgrading your home’s water heater and fixtures can be a worthy investment. Browse water heaters that are certified as being energy efficient and have low-flow showerheads installed as well. When your home’s water heater creates hot water with more efficiency, you can avoid water waste and costly water bills as you increase the value of your home at the same time.

 Service or Replace Your Furnace

If your home’s furnace is over twenty years old, you may want to consider replacing it with a more efficient model. An older furnace may cause uneven heating or may turn and off more often, which can lead to increased monthly energy bills. If you do decide to replace your furnace, it is a good idea to ask the advice of a company that specializes in heating maintenance and installation. These professionals can advise you about energy-efficient furnace options, digital thermostats, and which size heater might best suit your home.

If a new furnace is not feasible for your current budget, consider having your current unit serviced and some vital parts upgraded or replaced. A programmable thermostat or new heat pump can help your furnace run more efficiently, and even these minor upgrades can increase your home’s overall value.

Have Your Home’s Energy Use Audited

The demand for homes that have been certified as green label by passing an energy audit is growing in many states, such as California and Arizona. Having your home certified can help increase its attractiveness in the local real estate market, and your home may fetch a higher price when you are ready to sell it. Professional energy auditing companies can be found online, and it may be helpful to have a list of questions ready for them so you can fully understand the process before investing in this service.

Increasing your home’s value with energy-efficient features can be a worthy investment. While making these improvements may take time and effort, they may pay for themselves when the time comes to put your house on the market.