Going green: How to make your home more energy-efficient

You may consider countless factors when looking for a new home: cost, location, size, and overall appearance. But where do sustainability and energy efficiency fall in your list of priorities?

For many new homebuyers, green initiatives can be an important factor when choosing their future home. Explore the benefits of making your home energy-efficient, discover practical ways to enhance sustainability in existing homes, and learn what to consider when purchasing a new home with eco-friendly features.

Many homeowners are looking to make their homes more sustainable to help reduce their energy consumption and recognize potential savings.

• Reduce your carbon footprint - Some homeowners may be invested in exploring methods that may reduce their home’s energy consumption, including upgrading windows, switching appliances, and installing solar panels.
• Improve your home’s longevity - The National Association of Home Builders states that 96% of home builders and remodelers are seeking to improve homebuilding performance by using energy-efficient methods, thereby providing homeowners with more durable homes.
• Take advantage of potential savings and tax incentives - While green initiatives may have high upfront installation costs, they have the potential to save you money on utility bills in the long run. Depending on your state or area of residence, you may be eligible for local or federal programs that offer green tax breaks or incentives. Consult a tax advisor for more information.

With the help of some home renovation projects, you may be able to update your existing home with more sustainable features. Some aspects you can focus on include:

• Update your appliances - Replacing any faucets, hoses, or sinks with versions that have water-conserving upgrades could be a relatively easy change to make. Appliances with an ENERGY STAR® label have been evaluated by the federal government’s official energy efficiency rating system and may be helpful in your efforts to make your home more sustainable.
• Upgrade your windows - According to the U.S. Department of Energy , up to 25-30% of heating and cooling energy usage comes from heat that is gained or lost through windows. Consider updating or replacing windows to keep your home better insulated.
• Install solar panels - Homeowners around the United States may consider switching to solar energy as a sustainable alternative to their electric bills and to help reduce carbon emissions. Research solar companies available in your area to explore if solar energy is a viable option for your home

If you’re building a new home, there are many design factors to consider that may make your home more energy efficient. Something as seemingly small as utilizing your home’s natural surroundings can make an impact — for example, how your home is positioned in the sun or shade, as well as the materials used to build your home could make a significant impact on your home’s energy consumption.

3D-printed homes have also emerged as a new alternative for sustainable housing. With support from Wells Fargo, companies like ICON are developing large-scale robotics and advanced materials to build 3D-printed homes at a fast and affordable rate. With low-carbon concrete building materials, 3D-printed homes provide a sustainable and energy-efficient home option for consumers looking at innovative options. Explore more about 3D-printed homes here.

If you’re ready to explore green or energy-efficient home options while building a new home, check out our guide for more information.