Making Your Chapel Hill Home More Green

Published: September 08, 2020

When you’re moving to a new home (or better yet, building your own), it’s important to consider what appliances and features you can upgrade in your home to be more environmentally friendly that can, in turn, save you money.

First, there’s the utilities bill factor. 

Implementing some of these energy saving upgrades can help you save over time. If you plan on living in the house for a few years, your monthly savings can oftentimes pay for the cost of the project and then some. Secondly, the government offers tax breaks for eco-friendly home upgrades. Did you know that the Federal government offers tax breaks each year for becoming more environmentally friendly in your home?

Here are a few things you can upgrade that are both eco and financially friendly:

Energy saving appliances

If you’re purchasing an older home, chances you might inherit an old fridge, washer/dryer and dishwasher. Newer models, that utilize less water or less energy to get the job done with maximum efficiency can often pay for themselves after a year or two of use with savings in bills (and you’ll be doing your part to help Mother Earth, of course).

Energy efficient windows and doors

Older homes can be drafty from cracks under doors and poorly insulated windows. Energy efficient windows and doors are a great way to keep in heat and cool throughout the year. The current 2015 Federal Tax Credit is up to 30% or cost with “no upper limit.” Both your principal home and your second home can benefit from this credit (however, rental homes don’t count).

Simply look at ENERGY STAR® windows and doors at your favorite retailer to start your search. Installation is usually the major expense, but the difference in your heating/cooling bill could really help offset these costs over time.

Low-flow plumbing fixtures

Just like appliances, fixtures that utilize less water to get the job done with more efficiency will have an impact on your water bill. Low-flow toilets and showerheads are the most common examples and a great way to save water in your home.

Program your thermostat

If you don’t already have a “smart” thermostat, it can be very helpful to install. You can program it to change temperatures throughout the day. If no one will be home during the weekdays, for example, you can have it move to 75 degrees in the summertime or 65 degrees in the wintertime and help you save on the cost of cooling/heating the place for those 8 hours. If you’re going on a trip, some allow you to adjust temperatures from your phone.

No matter where you’re moving, there are ways to save money and help the Earth at the same time. If you’re worried about creating efficiency during your actual move, contact UNITS Moving & Portable Storage.