House Upgrades In Philadelphia
If you live in Philadelphia, chances are you’ve devoured a John’s Roast Pork cheesesteak, witnessed Jason Kelce’s epic parade speech, take a scenic stroll in Fairmount Park, and likely seen unique older houses that are full of character.
While these historic homes look great, they aren’t the most energy-efficient. These homeowners have energy bills that would make your jaw drop. To get these bills under control, they will need to make energy-efficient home upgrades. Even if you do not live in one of these homes, it’s essential for your energy bill and future resale value to know which upgrades will get you the most bang for your buck.
It would help if you always were wise when spending money on home improvements. However, sometimes spending less doesn’t mean you’re getting the most value for your dollar. It might even cost you more money down the road.
That’s why I’m going to share with you the top energy-efficient home upgrades that will save you money and help you live a greener lifestyle. These upgrades will make your house more valuable and increase its resale price.
I’ll walk you through each upgrade and tell you exactly why it’s important and how it can make a big difference on your monthly bill and save you significant money over time.
As we say in Philadelphia, trust the process. These upgrades will cost money upfront, but they will save you money and improve your comfort level in the long term.
There are many ways to make your home more energy-efficient.
Some of these include:
- Adding Insulation
- Installation Solar Panels
- Upgrading Water Heaters
- Replacing Old Windows
- Installing Central Air Conditioning
These are just a few examples of what you can do to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Here are 5 valuable energy-efficient home upgrades:
1. Adding Insulation
Insulating your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to save energy. Adding insulation to your attic, walls, windows, doors, and crawl spaces can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 40%.
There are several types of insulation available. The two most common types are fiberglass and cellulose. They make fiberglass from glass fibers woven together to form a mat. They make cellulose from wood pulp. Both types of insulation are used in homes and commercial buildings.
You can purchase both types of insulation at home improvement stores. Also, you can hire a professional installer to do the work for you.
If you don’t insulate, you could end up paying thousands of dollars in utility bills over the years.
Insulation also helps prevent moisture damage, mold growth, and pests.
2. Installing Solar Panels
Solar panels are significant energy-efficient home upgrades. They provide free electricity for your home, save money on your electric bill, and reduce your carbon footprint.
If you’ve been thinking about installing solar panels, here are a few reasons you should do it now:
- Save Money – Installing solar panels could save you hundreds of dollars per month on your electric bill.
- Protect the Environment – By using clean, renewable energy, you’re helping protect our planet.
- Increase the Value of Your Home – A recent study found that homes sell faster with solar panels than without and at a higher price tag.
3. Upgrading Water Heaters
Home water heaters are expensive, and most homeowners don’t realize how much energy their water heater uses until they’ve had it for years.
If you’re considering buying a new water heater, here are five things you should consider before deciding.
- Check the warranty – A manufacturer’s warranty means that if something goes wrong with your water heater, the company will fix it at no cost.
- Consider tankless vs. traditional water heaters – Tankless water heaters save space and money.
- Consider the size – The average home has two bathrooms so a large water heater may be unnecessary.
- Think about efficiency – Water heaters vary widely, so check out the EPA’s Energy Guide label to determine which model suits you.
- Consider the price – A high-efficiency water heater costs more upfront but saves money.
4. Install Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning is the most efficient form of cooling in the home.
If you don’t already have central air conditioning installed, now is the perfect time to do it. The weather is getting warmer, and you’ll save energy costs and lower your carbon footprint.
There are two types of central air conditioners: split systems and whole-house units. Split systems work well if you have multiple rooms to cool. Whole house units are great if you have a large home with many windows.
Whole house units are also better for homes with older HVAC systems. Older systems struggle to maintain temperature control during extreme heat waves. These units will help prevent overheating and reduce energy bills.
5. Replacing Old Windows
Windows are the largest source of heat loss in a house, so replacing them is an excellent home update to save energy.
There are two types of windows: single-pane glass and double-pane glass. Double-pane windows cost more than single-pane windows, but they also reduce heat loss by 50% compared to single-pane windows.
Double-pane windows are also better insulated, so they help prevent cold air from entering the house during the winter months.
If you don’t already have double-pane windows, now is the perfect time to install them. They won’t break the bank, and you’ll reap the benefits of lower energy bills all summer long.
In conclusion, we’ve looked at five energy-efficient home upgrades in Philadelphia that will help you save money on your monthly utility bills. These upgrades include adding insulation, installing solar panels, upgrading water heaters, installing central air conditioning, and replacing old windows. These improvements and home maintenance tasks will help you reduce energy consumption and save money on your monthly bill. They will also improve the home’s resale value if you sell.
The top-notch Philadelphia real estate firm at Buying Property 215 can help you determine which energy-efficient home improvements you should make to get the most profit when you sell my house fast in Philadelphia.
