Homeowners Want Top Eco-friendly Home Upgrades

Energy efficiency and environmental conservation are at the forefront of many homeowners’ minds. That’s why top eco-friendly home upgrades are being requested more and more. These upgrades can be simple, like adding insulation, or very complex, such as installing a tankless water heater. While some of these improvements can have big up-front costs, they will foster major long term energy savings.  The issue that many homeowners run into is where to begin. If they haven’t already gotten one, recommending an energy audit is a significant first step. These audits are designed to identify which areas of the home need improvement and which upgrades to prioritize. Energy audit (https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/professional-home-energy-assessments) services are available, but some homeowners prefer to conduct their own.                                              

Skylights and Sun Tunnels are Top Eco-friendly Home Upgrades

Some of the most common issues during an energy audit include inadequate insulation and outdated appliances. But by far the biggest problem is old HVAC systems and inefficient lighting. The VELUX Skylight System is an eco-friendly option that mitigates both issues.  Skylights have been shown to help with heat gain in the winter, while venting skylights help to keep homes cool during the summer. The VELUX Skylight System includes a built-in motorized shade to reduce heat in the summer as well. Glazing options and standard E glass are available to reduce heat gain further. This reduced use of the HVAC in winter and summer can help save hundreds of dollars on a homeowner’s annual energy bill. The exact amount depends on the number of skylights, placement on the roof, the roof's pitch, and the interior room's size.

VELUX Sun Tunnels and skylights can both address the issue of inefficient lighting. Instead of just replacing lightbulbs, these skylight options can eliminate the use of lightbulbs in some rooms. During the day, natural light is captured and distributed throughout the area of the home. Sun tunnels also have an optional solar-powered night light, which continues to provide a soft glow that homeowners love late into the evening. Homeowners can save hundreds on their electricity bill. The exact amount of money homeowners can save depends on the local power rate and the homeowner’s current electricity use.

Other Top Eco-friendly Home Upgrades

The skylight system and sun tunnels are excellent starting points for eco-friendly home upgrades. They help reduce the load on HVAC units and the overall electrical bill. Another project homeowners might want to consider is reducing heat loss through the roof. This issue can be resolved by adding insulation to the roof deck. Hot and cold air can also leak out of poorly sealed ductwork. Sealing these leaks with mastic or metal tape is the best option, but it is highly recommended to consult with a skilled professional to find all the leaks. A final option for an eco-friendly home upgrade is to replace older appliances in the house. This replacement goes beyond just the refrigerator and dishwasher. One of the appliances that uses the most energy is the water heater. If it is not appropriately insulated or the pipes leading to the faucets are not insulated, it can take more energy to heat water. Just one of these home upgrades can reduce energy consumption. But when these upgrades are paired with skylights, they will significantly reduce the amount of money homeowners have to spend on electricity throughout the year.

Eco-friendly Home Upgrades Sell Homes Faster and for More Money

Almost all new homeowners want their home to be move-in ready. That means painting is done, floors are installed, and all the eco-friendly home upgrades are finished. Not only is this what most people want, but they are also willing to pay more for a home that already has all of this completed. Some realtors even mention energy-efficient upgrades in the home’s listing. For home sellers, this is good news. A survey by FreddieMac found that energy-efficient homes can command a 3%–5% higher sales price than similar, less-efficient homes. Forbes magazine also found that eco-friendly homes sell up to 10 days faster. So, a small investment today could save homeowners hundreds in electrical bills and garner thousands more dollars during the home sale.

VELUX Offers Premium Skylights for Top Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades

VELUX is passionate about creating better living environments through daylight and fresh air. We started manufacturing skylights over 80 years ago with that mission in mind. In that time, we have continued improving our original design and now offer a full skylight system, fixed skylights, venting skylights, center pivot roof windows, tubular skylights, and more for residential and commercial applications. So whether you are working on eco-friendly luxury homes, green building design, or luxury homes, we offer a great solution to incorporate more daylight and fresh air.

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