How to Increase Home Value & Save Money at the Same Time
Whether you plan to sell your house soon or several years down the road, it’s smart to make improvements that increase its value. But it’s also important to be strategic about the upgrades you invest in.
Some upgrades, like a kitchen remodel, can boost value, but they’re also expensive and won’t pay off until you sell.
If you want to boost property value and save money, energy efficiency improvements are the way to go. By enhancing your home’s energy performance, you can reduce your monthly utility bills and attract buyers, all while potentially recouping your investment before you sell.
Make Upgrades that Boost Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is the driving force behind the benefits homeowners value most—comfort, health, resiliency, and savings. Homebuyers are increasingly aware of the benefits of an energy efficient home and studies show they’re willing to pay a premium for them.
This is great news if you want to make value-boosting upgrades because improving energy efficiency is affordable. These are relatively low-cost upgrades and many of them qualify for tax incentives—you can save up to $1,200 on insulation and air sealing with the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit. Plus, they pay off right away. Improving your home’s energy efficiency will reduce your energy bills and your investment will pay for itself through those savings.
Key Energy Efficiency Improvements that Increase Home Value
There are three key ingredients to an energy efficient house:
Insulation - Insulation protects your home against outdoor temperatures, keeping heat in during the winter and out during the summer. Insulating your attic and your basement or crawlspace will make your house more comfortable while drastically reducing your heating and cooling costs. It can also improve your resiliency by making it easier for your home to retain heat or air conditioning during a power outage.
Airtightness - Air sealing your home prevents drafts and air leaks, which can lead to significant energy loss. This not only makes your home more comfortable by eliminating drafts but also reduces the strain on your heating and cooling systems, leading to lower energy bills.
Ventilation - While airtightness is crucial for energy efficiency, it must be balanced with proper ventilation to ensure healthy indoor air quality. A well-ventilated home allows for the controlled exchange of indoor and outdoor air, removing stale air, moisture, and pollutants.
Install a Solar Energy System
Solar panels are a larger investment than new insulation, but the payoff can be significant. Houses with solar panels sell for 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar panels, according to research conducted by Zillow. For the average home, that translates to an additional $9, 274!
There are a few reasons why solar panels increase home value. The leading benefit is utility bill savings. Solar panels shield you against volatile electricity costs so you can keep your expenses stable in the face of inflation—a standout benefit for buyers.
Like other energy efficiency improvements, solar panels save you money as soon as you install them. They can dramatically reduce your electricity bills and your installation will pay for itself over time. With our Smart Solar approach—a combination of energy efficiency and solar upgrades—you get the best of both worlds with a solar power system that generates energy for a house that doesn’t waste.
Save 30% with the Federal Solar Tax Credit
Solar panels are eligible for excellent incentives, including the federal solar tax credit. The solar tax credit is worth 30% of your total solar installation costs and can be claimed for the year you install your system.
There are great financing options available for solar panel installation, too. With financing, you can go solar for $0 and lock in a predictable monthly payment.
Make the Most of Your Home Improvement Budget
Sustainergy Cooperative can help you prioritize upgrades to maximize your savings and return on investment. We are an energy efficiency expert who specializes in low-cost, high-impact improvements. Schedule a free energy assessment today to get started!
