As energy costs rise in Louisville, homebuyers are looking for energy-efficient homes. These are the top energy-efficient home trends that are catching the attention of buyers in Kentucky. If you’re thinking about buying and selling property any time soon, you won’t want to skip this list!
1. Solar panels
Solar panels are at the top of the list because it’s the first thing that we think of when we ask ourselves, “How can I make my home more energy efficient?” They’re especially popular now because there are countless incentives for homeowners to install solar panels on their homes.
On average, an American household will spend around $3,000 per year on energy costs. With solar panels, you could save between $400 to $1,000. You’re no longer relying on electricity or natural gas, which decreases your carbon footprint.
2. Sustainable materials
Whether you’re building a new home or you’re buying a newer home, sustainable building materials is a good way to go. Building materials like bamboo and cork are sustainable, recyclable, and won’t seep toxins into the ground. Materials like these reduce our dependence on imported oil for processing said construction materials.
3. LED Lighting
You don’t need us to tell you that LED lighting isn’t the same as traditional incandescent light bulbs. They don’t emit any heat and they use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Not only that, they can last up to 25 times longer than traditional lighting.
So, not only are you saving money because you aren’t using as much energy, but you can save money on purchasing bulbs, too. That may not sound like a big deal, but it all adds up!
4. Replacing windows with low-emissivity panes
Low-emissivity window panes are coated with a micro-thin layer of metal that filters out long energy wavelengths (heat), thus allowing show energy wavelengths (light) to pass through. In other words, Low-E window coatings fill your home with lots of natural light without heating up the interior of your home. A cooler room means you don’t have to turn the air conditioner up nearly as frequently as you would with regular windows.
5. Energy-efficient HVAC systems
Homes with energy-efficient HVAC systems have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional systems. These systems have improved airflow, which means it takes less running time for your room to reach the desired temperature. And you know what that means – your energy bill won’t be astronomical as the summer heat really kicks into high gear.
The average home in Louisville, Kentucky is spending between $90 to $110 per month on electricity. For other parts of the country, that may not seem like a lot, but for us… It’s a lot. Homebuyers are interested in buying a home that has energy-efficient upgrades and features, not just to lessen their carbon footprint amid the climate change crisis – they want to save money!
And, to be frank, we can’t blame them. Inflation is out of control and folks have to find ways to make every dollar stretch.
Even if you’re not planning on selling your home this year, incorporating some of these energy-efficient home trends will set you up for success in the future.
