April is a time to enjoy the warm weather creeping in and celebrate spring. Most importantly, it’s a chance to admire the beauty our world has to offer and do our part to sustain its integrity.

As Earth Day rolls around, Brightstar Realty encourages all homeowners to do their part in taking steps toward a more sustainable future. Simple measures, such as turning off light bulbs or taking a shorter shower, can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. Check out these tips on how to create the ideal energy efficient home.

Go Green With These Energy Efficient Home Improvements

Insulate Walls

Make sure you’re installing your wall insulation correctly. Insulation slows down heat conduction and the flow of air through a house. Effective insulation in a house will decrease the amount of energy needed to heat the house in the winter or cool it in the summer.

Get Rid of the Old Furnace

Old furnaces built before 1992 typically waste 35% of fuel. Newer condensing furnaces only waste under 10% of the natural gas used to operate the system. Houses with water boilers should also make the switch to a modern condensing boiler. These newer boilers reduce the circulating temperature for more efficient heating.

Seal Windows

If your windows are fairly old, their sealant capabilities have likely depleted over time. Additionally, if your windows are drafty, weather-strip around the frame of the glass. You can also seal windows using silicone caulk to any cracks. Filling in airflow gaps is a cost-effective way to increase energy efficiency.

Install Solar Panels

You’ll thank yourself in the long run for this one. Not only will you be saving energy, but you’ll also be increasing the value of your newly energy efficient home. Solar panels promote lower fuel usage and can even help you qualify for tax cuts. Utilizing the natural energy from the sun to heat, cool, and operate your home will drastically improve the energy efficiency of your humble abode.

Perform an Energy Audit

If you’d like to determine your home’s biggest energy-consuming culprits, consider hiring a professional energy auditor. A certified inspection will help you pinpoint any major inefficiencies and areas of improvement.

Everyday Steps

If these energy-saving tips come with too much of a change, there are some simple, smaller tasks you can take on that won’t disrupt your everyday routine. You should opt to wash with cold water whenever possible, unplug any unused appliances, and replace incandescent lightbulbs with LED ones. Not only will you be enhancing the overall energy efficiency of your home, but you’ll also be increasing the overall resale value.

Find Your Dream Energy Efficient Home in New Jersey

Brightstar Realty is a full-service real estate broker and property manager in northern New Jersey. Our mission is to match the right people with their dream home – as well as provide insightful advice for upkeeping its value. For more information on our services or to take a look at our available properties, reach out to our team today!