Energy-efficient home features are highly sought-after, and for good reason: sustainability is the mission on everyone’s minds, and energy efficiency can save you huge amounts of money on utility bills in the long run. Before you close the deal on the house you’re interested in, look out for the signs of an energy-efficient home!
Solar Panels
Young homeowners are disrupting the housing market by going solar, a large demographic of them looking for solar panels and other green features for their homes. Solar panels are excellent for the environment, reducing your household’s carbon footprint. Furthermore, the solar panels installed in your home could even net you some extra cash, because net metering allows you to sell the excess energy you’ve produced to electric companies. Some considerations to ask questions about before buying a home with pre-installed solar panels are:
- Solar panel loans: Were they purchased through a loan and if so, has it been paid?
- Whether the solar panels are on a lease: Review the lease with your real estate agent.
- Warranty: Whether the panels are under warranty, how long the warranty lasts.
- Kilowatts of electricity generated: Compare with your electricity usage to understand if the amount of panels is sufficient.
Smart Heating and Cooling
Another eco-friendly feature that’ll help you to save the environment and your wallet is a smart thermostat. Thermostats contribute to both the carbon pollution costs and a costlier monthly power bill, which is why moderation is so important as an environmentally and financially responsible homeowner. Smart thermostats leverage modern technologies such as geofencing and remote sensors to ensure that your home remains comfortable while also consuming fewer fossil fuels, only using what’s necessary.
Water-harvesting Systems
Both rain harvesting and gray-water harvesting systems are valid options for any household looking to be more efficient with their water and as a result, their energy. The scale and complexity of a house’s water-harvesting system depend on the homeowner’s needs, which is why in some homes you may encounter anything between a few plastic barrels connected to the gutter, to underground storage tanks complete with filters for purification purposes.
On-demand Water Heaters
These useful water heaters, also known as tankless or instantaneous water heaters, are much more energy-efficient than their conventional counterparts, saving up to 50% of energy consumption, which equates to saving on your power bill. A consideration that you should ask the seller about is whether the house’s on-demand water heater is powered by electricity or gas, as the energy savings you’ll be able to reap can differ based on their answer. Moreover, the value and mileage you get out of your tankless water heater depend on its model as well, so knowing the specifics of the house’s heater, in particular, is crucial.
Buy Your Dream Home with NJLux!
If you’re looking for a modern home that fits your criteria of wants and needs, look no further than NJLux Real Estate. Our resources such as recent home listings are sure to come in handy as you continue your journey as a home buyer and soon-to-be homeowner!
