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Make These Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades Before Winter
While the Texas weather remains warm through most of the fall season, cold weather is just around the corner, and our real estate agents will be spending the next few weekends preparing our homes for the season to come. Fall is the best time to pursue energy-efficient upgrades, so you can keep your home warm and toasty without spiking your utility bills this winter. You don't need to do any major renovations -- there are many simple things that make a huge difference. Here are some best practices:
- Seal Your Doors And Windows
Caulk and weatherstripping can wear thin throughout the year, especially if it receives long-term exposure to direct sunlight. Fall is the best time to reseal your doors and windows so cold air doesn't seep into your home throughout the winter. Reapply caulk around your doors and windows as needed. - Replace Damaged Or Missing Shingles
Harsh storms throughout the summer can result in missing or damaged shingles, which can impact energy efficiency. Your roof plays a huge role in helping your home maintain a warm internal temperature, so you'll want to make any necessary repairs before cold weather sets in. - Invest In A Programmable Thermostat
Many of our favorite Waco homes for sale have programmable thermostats installed, which allow homeowners to regulate and optimize internal temperatures. If you own a Central Texas home that has a furnace, smart thermostats allow you to control your home's temperature from your phone or set a schedule in order to ensure you're not wasting energy when you're not home. These devices could reduce your energy bills by up to 10% this winter. - Add New Insulation
No matter the season, insulation in your walls and attic is essential for keeping warm air inside your home. If your insulation is thin, your home will have a harder time maintaining an ideal temperature this winter. Invest in insulation with a high R-value and reapply to your attic and interior walls as needed. By investing in better insulation, you'll have an easier time retaining heat during the winter and cold air from your hard-working AC unit during the hot summers. - Upgrade Your Lighting
LED lighting has been on the market for quite some time, but many homeowners still aren't taking advantage of this energy-efficient light source. LED bulbs consume 90% less energy compared to incandescent bulbs. Plus, they produce the same amount of light and last 25 times longer. Switching to LED lighting is an easy, cost-effective strategy. - Upgrade Your Kitchen Appliances
While you're in the process of making energy-efficient upgrades, it's worth taking the time to evaluate your kitchen appliances. Newer appliances, in general, use far less electricity than older models. If your refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, or oven is more on their second or third decade, it might be the right time to upgrade.
Energy efficiency is one of the most important priorities for homebuyers in today's market. Thinking about selling your home? Contact us today for experienced help buying or selling property throughout Central Texas.