Factor Energy Costs Into Your Home Buying Decision

Aug 23
07:31

2010

Stefan Hyross

Stefan Hyross

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When buying a home many people look at the size and location of home but just as important is how energy efficient a home is. Here are some things to look at before you decide if the house is right for you.

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High energy bills are becoming an increasing headache for homeowners,Factor Energy Costs Into Your Home Buying Decision Articles and finding ways to reduce energy bills and make their houses more comfortable is turning into a prime consideration. Decreasing the quantity of energy a home requires may be approached numerous ways, and when combined, they can have a serious impact not just in money saved, but increase the future value of the property.In a lot of houses, the biggest energy consumers are the large appliances like freezers, washing machines, dishwashers and the various electronics that entertain us and improve our lives. Most recent models of large appliances have gone through testing based on the US EPA EnergyStar rating structure that determines the true rate of savings consumers can realize by buying a newer appliance. Also remember that new appliances are offer a warranty, therefore there will be no imminent repair expenses, and they usually work better and make less noise than older equipment. A further tip to have a difference in your monthly electricity costs is to replace small appliances like crock pots, toaster ovens and coffee makers with energy efficient models.Numerous resale and newer homes do not have most efficient insulation in the attic which could strongly impact the capability of your home heating and cooling system. By installing fibreglass insulation throughout the attic of your home, a lot of heat can be saved instead of escaping outside. By adding an attic fan to pull out hot air, you can refrain from using the air conditioner on moderate days. Each market is slightly different and Barrie Ontario real estate often has newer houses therefore you might not see as many of these problems.If your HVAC system is more than fifteen years old, it is most likely time to change it because it has probably become taxing on your power bill as it loses efficiency and requires more recurring upkeep. Modern cooling and heating EnergyStar rated appliances are available as portable units and full home HVAC systems and have rebates available, Federal subsidies or local grants to stimulate property owners to change their systems. An agent should know about the tax cuts being offered since it is usually part of their real estate sales training that they must take on an ongoing basis.If you wish to take your entire home off-the-grid and set up alternative power equipment like solar panels, wind power or geothermal heating and cooling units, you might have a return on your investment in about twenty years and never have to buy energy from the power company again. Solar panels can also be used to power smaller outdoor appliances such as gate openers, landscaping lights, heaters for hut tubs and swimming pool filtration systems. Adding this may help a Brampton house for sale during times of a purchaser's market when competition is stiff.Largely in drought-prone areas, water costs can be a substantial factor, and having the right tools in place to conserve water is always a smart idea. Setting up low-flow faucets, toilets and drip irrigation systems can reduce your daily intake of water.The vegetation you choose to include in your landscape may effect your capacity to efficiently heat and cool your home. By installing bushes, large leafy trees and carefully positioning trellises, you can do a lot to protect south facing walls from harsh sunlight. To block harsh winter winds, install a row a strong evergreens as a windbreak.