Energy Efficiency is a Priority for California Homebuyers

First-time homebuyers in California are becoming more interested in saving money in the long run by purchasing homes that offer energy efficiency features. These amenities may include low-flush toilets, double-pane windows, attic insulation, and solar panels. In addition to reducing your energy bill, they will also reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re interested in selling your home, be sure to include these amenities on your checklist.

Solar panels

According to a new study, more than half of Pacific region homebuyers are considering solar panels for their new homes. Only 17% have actually installed them. By 2022, all newly-built homes in California must have at least one solar panel to provide electricity. This is an increase from the previous year when only one-third of California homes included solar panels. However, the California Energy Commission (CEC) expects that number to rise to seventy thousand by 2022. Community solar programs will further boost the number of solar installations.

The CPUC’s proposed changes could be a disaster for solar homes in California. Currently, residents who install solar panels before May 2022 can continue receiving benefits under Net Energy Metering 2.0 (NEM 2.0) program. By May, new residential solar systems will be subject to NEM 3.0, which could mean reduced compensation for excess solar energy and possibly increased fees for solar owners. Fortunately, there’s a way to mitigate the impact of these new changes.

Low-flush toilets

New low-flush toilets have become a priority for new California homeowners. This environmentally friendly and cost-saving technology saves up to 1.5 gallons of water per flush. Homeowners who already have low-flow toilets will pay around $224 to $531 to install new ones. While it may not seem like a big deal, changing your toilet to a green model requires a little change in your bathroom habits and plumbing. You may also need to cut back on your toilet paper use if you have a low-flow toilet.

Purchasing a new toilet that has low-flow capability can cut down on water bills by up to 50%. These toilets are also more attractive to buyers because they are attractive to prospective homebuyers, as they are often sold with rebates. Many manufacturers understand the challenges of replacing a high-flow toilet with a low-flow alternative. Many contractors also have concerns about the effectiveness of the flush.

Double-paned windows

Many 2022 California homebuyers are concerned about energy efficiency. Double-paned windows help to prevent noise pollution inside a home. These windows have two layers of glass with insulating gas in between. They also reduce utility bills. When purchased by a new homeowner, double-paned windows can be an excellent investment. Here are some of the advantages of installing these windows.

Double-paned windows help to regulate the internal temperature in a home, keeping warm weather in and cold air out. The added insulation minimizes the transfer of heat and cold outside, which helps reduce the use of air conditioning and heating systems. This helps reduce energy bills and carbon dioxide emissions. In 2022 California homebuyers should focus on purchasing a new home with double-paned windows.

Attic insulation

When it comes to attic insulation, you have two options. You can either use blown-in insulation or rolled-in insulation. When it comes to the former, it should be at least R-3. But in the latter case, you may not want to go that route. Neither of these options is ideal. The most important thing to remember is that you need a good amount of insulation.

Attic insulation is a critical component of the home’s energy efficiency, but the amount required depends on the climate and type of heating. As the most accessible area of the house, attic insulation is a great option. You can also choose a computer program that calculates the necessary amount of insulation based on a ZIP Code. This computer program will allow you to know the type of insulation and the R-value of the existing insulation.

By HomeLight Homes