5 Must-Know Sustainability Tips for Homebuyers

As Earth Day gets closer, it’s good to think about some must-know sustainability tips to make your home more sustainable. There are so many things to consider when looking for the right home; one of those considerations can be sustainability.  A sustainable home is not only better for the environment, but it can also save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

We asked our REMAX Influencers—a panel consisting of REMAX Sales Associates —what sustainable features are the most important to look for when buying a sustainable home.  They responded with features that will help you conserve resources and save costs on heat, water, and electricity.

“Buyers need to determine what’s space heating system is in place, this is the highest monthly cost and best ROI for a homeowner. Depending on the climate, he at pumps are the best but high efficiency gas fuel furnaces are likely the best choice,” says Rob Grey, REMAX of Nanaimo (founder of Real Estate Energy Efficiency Program (REEP). “They also need to see what level of insulation is installed as this compliments space heating and is one of the least expensive improvements in single family energy efficiency.”

When looking for a sustainable home in your search, know that homes can be LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building was built using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas, such as: water savings, energy efficiency, material selection, and indoor environmental quality.

Windows

More than half of our Influencers mentioned the importance of windows when it comes to energy efficiency and must-know sustainability tips. The quality of windows installed in a house greatly impact heat conservation. New double or triple pane, argon-filled windows provide extra insulation and better noise reduction for your home.

Properly insulated windows are a must for keeping heat from escaping during the cold winter months. The orientation of the windows to the sun is a consideration, as south-facing windows allow radiant heat from sunlight to enter the home each day.

Heating

Tied for second place along with water-saving features, a home’s heat source and heat conservation are also very important. A high-efficiency furnace, automated climate control, high value insulation, and heat recovery ventilation are must-haves among others.

South-facing windows, geothermal systems, and active solar energy systems are great sustainable features for heating a home. A geothermal system utilizes the stable ground temperature to regulate a home’s temperature, whereas an active solar energy system gathers heat from the sun.

Water

It is very important to conserve our freshwater supply. Sustainable homes utilize features that minimize water usage. Features like low-flow toilets, sinks, and shower heads, automated sprinklers, rain collectors, and xeriscaping go a long way in water conservation.

Solar

One-third of our Influencers spoke about the importance of utilizing the sun’s rays when considering sustainability. Solar panels

Electricity

It can be difficult at times to keep up with advancements in technology. Our Influencers suggest looking for LED lighting and programmable energy-efficient appliances in a sustainable home.  The home may be equipped with solar panels, so ask for a comparison of the home’s electric generation and consumption.  Is there a charging outlet in the garage for a potential future electric car?

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Are you searching for the home that is in a great location and is the perfect style for you? Find the right agent to help you with your search.