How to make your Home more Energy-Efficient

Energy-efficient homes for sale in Ontario are more sought after than ever. This comes as little surprise, given the many benefits of energy efficiency. Energy-efficient homes can reduce your water and power bills considerably. They’re also much more equipped to handle blackouts and extreme weather events.

If you’d like to know how to make a home energy-efficient, you’re in luck! By implementing a few of the tips listed below, your home will be much greener in no time.

Seal Gaps Around Windows and Doors

We tend to use a lot of power to heat and cool our homes. That’s why it’s aggravating to know just how much of that warm or cold air escapes through gaps around your windows and doors. Sealing these gaps traps the air-conditioned or heated air inside the home, better controlling the temperature and saving you money on your power bill.

If you don’t know how to seal gaps, don’t worry. It’s a relatively easy task that only takes about 45 minutes. To do the job, all you need is an insulating foam sealant capable of forming a watertight seal. You should be able to find this product at most home improvement stores.

Change Temperature With Natural Light

Perhaps the easiest of all energy-efficient tips is to take advantage of natural light. Natural light can reduce your power bills in primarily two ways. The first is by lessening your reliance on heaters or air conditioners. Natural light can subtly heat your home when shining through your windows. You can regulate the temperature indoors by opening your blinds in the winter and shutting them in the summer.

If you have lots of natural light coming into your home, you also won’t need to use artificial light sources as frequently. Don’t have much natural light coming into your home? Consider having additional windows installed. You can also purchase sheer window coverings that allow the natural light to come through without sacrificing your privacy.

Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances

Next time you need to purchase an appliance, consider investing in an energy-efficient model. There are plenty of laundry machines and dishwashers out there that use less power and less water than traditional models, all while being just as effective. You can also find energy-efficient fridges, freezers, air purifiers, and much more.

Swap Out Your Light Bulbs

Make your home more energy-efficient by swapping out your current lightbulbs with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LED light bulbs use less energy than compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), and they last longer. They’re a smart investment that’s better for the environment and your wallet.

Upgrade Your Showerhead

We unintentionally waste gallons of water every year. Thankfully, you can easily reduce your water usage by replacing your showerhead with a low-flow model. Low-flow showerheads are better for the environment and can help you save on your water and power bills.

Home Buyers Love Energy Efficiency

If you needed any more reasons to make your home more eco-friendly, energy efficiency is a very popular feature among home buyers. Those thinking about putting their homes up for sale in the near future should definitely invest in a few of the ideas listed above. Energy efficiency is a great way to distinguish your home from other properties on the market.

Of course, you don’t want your home upgrades to get overlooked by potential buyers. That’s why you need to have a professional Ontario REALTOR® on your side. With their knowledge and experience of local real estate markets, they know how to effectively showcase your home’s energy-efficient features. They’ll also use their negotiating skills to ensure that your asking price reflects everything your home has to offer.