3 Top Home Improvements to Boost Energy Efficiency

Energy efficient home improvements not only help reduce utility costs, but they also make a home more appealing to potential buyers. In fact, according to a real estate report by Harvard University, buyers are actually willing to pay up to ten percent more for new homes certified green!

Another huge factor when considering whether to make energy efficient home improvements is the return on investment. For example, improvements such as replacing older, less efficient doors and windows with greener options gives homeowners a high ROI, meaning that sellers will get back much of the initial cost of the improvement.

Here are 3 energy efficient home improvements that will be most worth your while:

1. Light Bulb Switch
Did you know that by the end of 2014, traditional incandescent light bulbs will be a thing of the past? Get a jump on the change now and replace incandescent light bulbs with more energy-efficient bulbs such as LED's and CFL's (compact fluorescent bulbs).

6 Tips to Save Money on Homeowners Insurance

2. Replace Old Windows and Doors
The older your doors and windows are, the more heat you lose in the winter and cool air you lose in the summer. Upgrading to new ones (air-tight models), can save a significant amount of money. Not to mention that this type of home improvement can bring you tax savings too!

• Windows - According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report, replacing old windows with new vinyl ones can bring you more than a 71 percent return when you sell. Replace the windows and you're looking at recouping 73% of the cost at selling time.

• Doors - Replacing your front door with a new fiberglass one will bring you a 66% ROI and 85.6% for a steel door.

Homeowners Can Reduce Electric Bill With LED Lighting

3. Replace Your Old HVAC System
Since almost half of the total energy consumption comes from heating and cooling your home, it makes sense to keep your HVAC system up to date. Replacing old, inefficient heating, ventilation, and cooling systems with more efficient models can save you a significant amount of money and wasted energy.

Make the most of your money when it comes to making improvements to your home and start with the most energy efficient ones! Do you have other tips to add?

My name is Barbara Bottitta and I am a Realtor/Partner with Keller Williams Real Estate and team leader for the Barb Bottitta Team of Lehigh Valley Home Experts. Our team of professionals include a listing and closing specialist so that from the starting line to the dotted line you won’t find another agent or team that provides better service, works harder – or cares more – than the Barb Bottitta Team.  My husband, Lou, and I have lived in LowerMac for over 30 years; our grown children, Lisa and Matt (Tito) attended Emmaus High School and we feel fortunate that our grandson, Ethan, is growing up in the Lehigh Valley as well.

Get the Market Insider report for your neighborhood

See homes for sale in the East Penn School District