The home’s energy efficiency is a key factor when buying a house. This is often a key factor in deciding where to settle. Weather trends and rising utility costs are two examples of reasons why energy efficiency is important. Efficiency is not only important when a house is put on the market but it is also one the most sought-after home improvements homeowners want to make to increase their home’s value. Energy efficiency is a long-term investment that pays dividends. Many states are raising their standards on how energy is produced.

Florida is one such state, setting the standard for green energy in the future. Title 24 requires that all new homes must be powered by solar energy. This is not the first time that the state has imposed new energy requirements to lessen the strain on the electric grid. Many methods have been used to prepare for extreme weather, such as the recent heatwave which has left residents requesting more energy. These mandatory power outages are helpful, but there’s more.

Florida isn’t the only state that is leading the charge in building in energy needs to harvest a better future. For their continued focus on improving energy codes, northern states such as Vermont, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts have received high marks from the American Council of Energy Efficiency Economy.

There are many ways homeowners can improve their home’s energy efficiency, beyond local utility efforts.

Replace high-energy appliances with more efficient versions

An ENERGY STAR label on appliances will guarantee that large appliances such as the washer, dryer and dishwasher use the most energy. Before receiving this prestigious label, appliances must meet a number of standards. These appliances can also be operated after peak demand to reduce grid strain.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are known for their ability to save money. They allow homeowners to set up a routine that suits their family’s needs. You can adjust thermostats to change the temperature according to the seasons. This is a better option than trying to maintain a certain temperature all the time.

Add an Additional Layer of Insulation

Insulating a house is an easy way to improve energy efficiency. The easiest method to do this is to go to the attic. There are many options for homeowners to consider when it comes to insulation, but the one constant is that it reduces the energy required to heat or cool their home.

Install new doors and windows

Your home’s energy efficiency is directly affected by the doors and windows. It can make a huge difference to replace older, less efficient installations with more energy-efficient ones. The durability of steel doors and their superior security have made them very popular. Homeowners should look at ENERGY STAR and NFRC versions when looking for more – efficient windows.

Last but not the least, homeowners should take measures to ensure that their doors and windows are sealed properly. This will prevent drafts from entering your AC and heating system.

Go Solar

Solar energy generates power directly from sunlight. This makes it extremely efficient. Red Solar energy consultants can help homeowners determine the number of solar panels necessary to generate enough power to meet their home’s requirements. Red Solar’s 1 panels are more efficient than conventional panels, and homeowners can use less. This fact alone can result in utility savings.

Because it increases the property’s value, solar energy can also be a great home improvement idea. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% higher on average than homes without them.

This post was written by a professional at Red Solar. https://redsolar.energy/ was started with the mindset of renewable energy being the future. We want everyone to travel through this transition. We can all agree that solar is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint, but it’s not the only way. During a Red Solar energy evaluation, all energy commons in your home will be analyzed for results. Our expert technicians will guide you through the process for better understanding and reassurance. Contact us for more information today!