Increases Your Home's Value by Increasing its Energy Efficiency

There are many ways to increase home air quality, save energy, and reduce costs at the same time. Making these changes will not only save money, but will increase your home's value as it becomes more energy efficient. It is no secret that a home's efficiency is a major selling point for today's home buyer. If you are thinking about selling your home, it is possible to dramatically increase your selling price by making your home inexpensive to heat and maintain.

Here are some tips on how to make your home more energy efficient:

Start by having your home furnace inspected and serviced annually. Replacing furnace filters each month helps your furnace run better as well as helps to ensure that the air circulating in your home is cleaner. Your furnace won't have to work as hard, which can reduce your power bill. Replacing an older furnace with a newer energy efficient furnace adds home value as well, but is not necessary in most cases.

Adding extra insulation to your attic will help block heat loss through the roof and add home value as well. Dropping your thermostat a few degrees means less energy costs – for both you and your potential buyer. Slightly cooler temperatures at night can result in better sleep. Temperature settings can be reduced when family members are gone. A programmable thermostat does this automatically.

Investing in a programmable thermostat provides utility savings and increases home value. Installation is easy enough for a do it yourselfer. But, this is also an inexpensive project for a paid handyman if the job needs to be hired out. These thermostats can be programmed for specific temperatures by the hour or day with automatic settings perfect for each family's needs. This is an attractive feature for future home buyers.

Over time, windows and doors may develop drafts. Cold air seeps in and and warmed air escapes. Calking around glass and sills, and adding weather stripping provides instant benefits. Weather stripping can be purchased in colors to match woodwork and comes in self adhesive strips that are easy to cut to fit and easy to install. Attractive air tight windows and doors that properly seal in air and prevent energy losses also increase home values.