Going green is not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for homeowners, sellers and buyers. For homeowners, energy-efficient upgrades can provide you with tax breaks in some parts of the U.S. Additionally, these improvements can help reduce your utility bills – saving you money – while increasing the value of your home. For home sellers, energy-efficient improvements can increase the resale value of your home. For buyers, by purchasing an energy-efficient home or planning to make improvements to a newly purchased home, you can guarantee you’ll have more control over your energy use while saving money on energy costs.

Here are 10 ways you can improve your home’s energy performance:

1. Get an energy efficiency audit. Before you can make any energy efficiency improvements to your home, you need to know where you currently stand. During an energy efficiency audit, an energy professional will examine your home to determine areas in your home where energy efficiency can be improved.
2. Seal up leaks. To have an energy-efficient home, you need to seal up areas where warm or cool air is leaking from your home. Common areas for leaks include around doors and windows, and in basements and attics. Not only will you save energy once these leaks are sealed, but you’ll also save money with lower heating bills.
3. Add more insulation. Did you know that about half of all homes are under-insulated? Insulation helps reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home. Plus, it helps prevent warm or cool air from escaping your home, so your home will stay comfortable year-round.
4. Seal HVAC ducts. Your home’s heating and cooling system carries warm or cool air to different parts of your home. Per the Environmental Protection Agency, about one-fifth of air loss is due to leaks. To make your home more comfortable and energy efficient, apply duct sealant to stop leaks in exposed ducts.  
5. Install a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the temperature in your home based on your family’s schedule. You can keep your home warm or cool to your liking when you’re there. Then you can adjust the temperature accordingly for when you’re not at home. A programmable thermostat can help you save about 10% on your heating and cooling costs.
6. Replace old windows with energy-efficient ones. A lot of older homes have inefficient, single-paned windows. Today’s technically advanced windows are more energy efficient and can help lower your energy costs by over 25%. Plus, new windows can increase your home’s value.
7. Install energy-efficient doors. Age, exposure to the elements, and normal and tear can cause your home’s exterior doors’ insulation qualities to wear out. By installing new energy-efficient doors, you’ll reduce heat loss and save up to 15% on your energy bills.
8. Add storm windows. If your windows are still in good shape, or you’re on a budget and can’t afford to replace all your windows with energy-efficient ones, you can still reduce your energy costs by installing storm windows. Studies have shown that storm windows can help reduce air movement in and out of existing windows.
9. Replace your old HVAC system. By installing a new energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air cooling system, you can save thousands of dollars in fuel costs. New high-efficiency systems offer annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings of over 90% – compared to older systems that operate around 65%.
10. Install a high-efficiency water heater. Did you know that water heating makes up between 15% to 25% of your home’s annual energy usage? By installing a high-efficiency water heater, you’ll save money in the long run.

If you’re looking to buy or refinance a home that’s in need of major repairs and/or renovations – even the energy efficient kind, talk to the mortgage specialists at Grandview Lending in Indianapolis. A FHA 203(k) home loan may be the right mortgage solution for your needs. A FHA 203(k) loan enables you to borrow the money you need to make necessary energy-efficiency renovations. Contact us today at 317.255.0062 or toll-free at 866.690.4920 for more information about a FHA 203(k) mortgage loan.

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