5 Tips for a More Energy Efficient Home Before You Sell

5 Tips for a More Energy Efficient Home Before You Sell

No homebuyer wants their hard-earned dollars to be wasted on a home that’s energy inefficient. Consider these five tips for a more energy-efficient home to increase savings for potential buyers before you put your residence on the market.

Tip #1. Use energy-efficient appliances.

When it comes to making your home more energy efficient, this tip is low-hanging fruit. If you’re in the market to replace a water heater, washer, dryer, dishwasher or other major appliance that’s dated, distressed, or near the end of its useful life, be sure to replace it with a model that’s energy efficient.

Consider this: A dishwasher that has an Energy Star label is required to operate using almost half the volume of water per cycle than that of a majority of older models.

Tip #2. Switch to energy-saving bulbs.

Traditional incandescent light bulbs are electric lights made with a filament that heats and glows. In contrast, energy-saving bulbs, which include LEDs and CFLs, use technology that lessens energy consumption without sacrificing brightness and quality of light. When compared to incandescent bulbs, LEDs and CFLs last significantly longer and can substantially reduce energy consumption and costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That’s a win-win for your potential buyer.

Tip #3. Caulk and weatherstrip around windows.

Over time your home may develop cracks or gaps around its windows. Be sure to caulk and weather strip around those areas. This can help prevent cool air from escaping your home and causing your A/C to work harder and use more energy to maintain a set temperature, especially during the peak of our Naples summers.

Also, check the exterior of your home. If you spot gaps between places where pipes enter your residence via exterior walls, consider using an expanding-foam sealant to fill the voids. To handle small gaps between your floor and exterior doors, install a door sweep. Some on the market are adhesive-backed, while others screw-on. If you don’t feel that you’re able to perform these tasks, consider seeking the help of a professional “handyman” service.

Tip #4. Shade the exterior of your home using foliage.

If you’re planning to enhance your landscape with trees or foliage before your home hits the market, consider strategically placing these additions in ways that help shade windows. Doing so can lessen your home’s absorption of summer heat, keep indoor temps cooler, reduce the burden on your A/C, and ultimately help conserve energy.

Tip #5. Replace your air filter.

Before your home is listed be sure to replace the air filter in your furnace, if it’s time to do so. When filters are not changed regularly, they can become clogged and make your furnace work harder or longer, which can result in increased energy consumption. Handling this for a potential buyer will demonstrate that your home is well maintained and give them one less item on their to-do list—should this be discovered during a home inspection.

REALTORS® Alexandra Janz and Juergen Haeringer Are Your Premier Real Estate Brokers

At Alexandra Janz AJ International Group Naples, the team of Alexandra Janz & Juergen Haeringer, Broker Associates & Luxury Properties Specialists with William Raveis-Florida, LLC, help clients realize their dreams of purchasing a luxury home and basking in the glow of the Naples and Southwest Florida luxury lifestyle. Alexandra is not only an expert in the real estate market in Naples and Southwest Florida, but in international markets as well.

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