Helping the environment doesn’t just promote a healthier planet — it can also add value to your home. From buying energy-efficient appliances to updating your light fixtures, you would be surprised at how easy it is these days to go green. If you’re thinking of adding your home to the market any time soon, take advantage of some of these go-to green upgrades to add value and appeal to your listing.
1. Get Rid of Energy Drains
Look around your house and you are bound to find an energy-draining appliance. Think about that old refrigerator or the dishwasher that is from the 1990s. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that just one old appliance costs $150 or more per year than an energy-efficient replacement. Take your time and replace appliances you want to sell with the home, such as the range, oven and dishwasher. If you’re going to make a package deal out of it, you’ll want to upgrade the refrigerator and washer/dryer too.
2. Add Aerators to Faucets
Who doesn’t love a shower or bath? Unfortunately, they are big water and energy wasters that aren’t eco-friendly or even buyer friendly. These days buyers don’t want to be handed a bill — they want to find savings in the big purchases they make. Install aerators on your faucets and you can cut the consumption of your home by half. Also, if your toilet is over 15 years old, replace it or have the valves adjusted for a lower water flow level.
3. Use Energy-Star Approved Light Bulbs
While you aren’t selling your home with the lamps, you are selling the light fixtures around the house. Consider changing out the bulbs with energy-star approved light bulbs. It is estimated that making the switch can save up to $100 per year on energy bills.
4. Fix Up Insulation
Older homes lack sufficient insulation in the attic and crawlspaces. These areas are where cold and hot air enter the home and make your furnace and HVAC units work twice as hard. Add insulation to these areas and while you’re at it, see how the insulation is everywhere else in the house. Upgrade to an R-22 or R-49 for maximum insulating capabilities.
5. Reseal Everywhere
This won’t add value, but this will tell the buyer’s home inspector that you care about the home. Go around and reseal all of your windows — that means using caulk to seal off any openings. Weather-strip your doors too — this keeps drafts from sneaking in and costing you on heating and cooling costs.
Making efficient upgrades where you can increases your home’s appeal to a potential buyer and helps you love your home. Even if you aren’t selling your home today, making these upgrades can save you hundreds of dollars each year — giving you a little extra cash to do fancier updates (like remodeling that kitchen).