As you search for a home to buy, or prepare your residence to sell, how much thought do you give to its energy efficiency? With fuel costs rising, and shortages already evident, it is time to take an active interest.Old houses are energy sieves except for the occasional (and expensive) newer home, almost all properties in any area could use some energy rehabilitation.
Here are some areas to consider:
Windows, doors, pipes, ducts, receptacles. You can save up to 10% in heating bills by weather-stripping windows and doors. Caulk around windows, doors, pipes and ducts to stop air leaks. Up to another 3% could be conserved by sealing electric receptacles and switch boxes with foam gaskets or fiberglass insulation.
New windows. Replacing windows is costly. Value is added if a property has all new, energy-efficient windows, in character with its style and period. If windows need to be replaced, consider buying high-performance ones. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) has a window energy rating system based on four key factors: U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Visible Transmittance (VT) and Air Leak (AL). Do your homework.
Plumbing fixtures, showerheads. Installing energy-saving shower heads saves
10-16% of hot water use. Dripping faucets and plumbing could waste energy and over 200 gallons of water a month.
Fireplace. A well-sealed, tempered glass fireplace screen and a tightly closing damper will stop heat and money from going up the chimney.
Old appliances waste energy. It is amazing how much is saved with updated appliances. Those more than ten years old are not as energy-efficient as the latest models.
Refrigerator. A fridge can be the biggest energy hog in the house. New versions may use only half as much electricity as older ones.
Washer, Dryer. The newest, top-of-the-line, front-loading washer uses 68% less water and 67% less energy. Its matching gas dryer is equally impressive.
Stove, Dishwasher, Furnace, Hot Water Heater. In addition to being more efficient, the latest model furnaces and water heaters take up substantially less space.
Typical appliance energy costs:Here are some examples:
Refrigerator, frost-free,20 cu ft, $12-$22/mo
Freezer, $15-30.00/mo
Electric oven, $.30-.60/hr
Gas oven, $.05-.11/hr
Electric range top burner, $.07-.30/hr
Gas range top burner, $.05-.08/hr
Dishwasher, $.08-.09 per load
Electricity for wash water, $.37/load
Gas for wash water, $.10/load
Washer, $.03-.23/load
Electric dryer, $.30-.60/load
Gas dryer, $.10-.16/load
Electric water heater, $20.00-70.00/mo
Gas water heater, $7.00-19.00/moCeiling fans, efficient thermostats and adequate insulation are all pluses. Reflect on how much has been done, or needs to be completed, energy-wise when you look at a particular house. Although this should not be the critical consideration in buying, it certainly deserves to be an item on your list. If you do not think energy efficiency now, count on wasted dollars later.
Call The Schrott Real Estate Group today at 757-828-7791 if you are in the market to buy or sell a home in Virginia Beach or Hampton Roads! Use our search page to view available listings or let us create a personalized report for you. We are available to meet with you 7 days week!
By: The Real Estate Briefings
