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Are Energy Efficient Upgrades Worth The Money?

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If you’re tired of high utility bills in your Savannah, Georgia, home, energy efficient upgrades might be for you. Some people are put off by the higher price tag of energy efficient appliances and shy away from the idea because of the upfront cost. Most of the time, energy efficient upgrades are worth it for a number of reasons, but it’s important to look at your specific situation to know if they are right for you. 

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Before you can decide whether energy-efficient upgrades are right for you and worth the money, you have to narrow down the type of upgrades available. Some are worth the investment without question, but some take digging a little deeper to understand whether it’s right for you. Energy-efficient upgrades might include Energy Star appliances, sealing your ducts, upgrading your doors and windows, adding insulation, and changing your lights. 

If your HVAC system is aging, it’s time to look into upgrading it to an energy-efficient system. Energy Star appliances have the seal of approval from the Department of Energy. You don’t necessarily have to get Energy Star appliances to get an energy-efficient upgrade. The higher the SEER rating on your air conditioner, the more efficient the system. 

If your system works great or is only a few years old, it’s not worth the money to run out and buy a whole new system. If your system is already aging, you could save money on your energy bills by upgrading your system. When you sell your home, you will also see a return on the investment since a new energy-efficient HVAC system adds value to your home and could help it sell faster. 

Insulation is an energy-efficient upgrade that is affordable and makes a difference in your utility bills. Insulation keeps the air you want in and the air you don’t want out without allowing it to seep through the walls or attic. For example, in the winter, insulation makes sure that the cold air can’t get into your home, and that your warm air can’t escape your home to heat the outside and waste money. 

One small change you can make in your house today is upgrading your light bulbs to LED lighting. LED light bulbs last longer than incandescent lights, and they use less energy. Although they cost a little more upfront, you will see savings from having to replace them less, and see savings on your energy bills. 

Long-Term Benefits

When making energy-efficient upgrades, it’s important to look at the long-term benefits to see if it’s right for you. Making small changes around your home, like updating your light bulbs, doesn’t take much thought. Even insulation is a smart investment without having to look too far down the road. If you’re considering upgrading your HVAC system or your appliances, however, you probably need to think about a few things before diving in. 

Energy-efficient upgrades aren’t just good for your wallet; they are also good for the environment. You will lower your family’s carbon footprint with these improvements. If you plan on staying in your home for more than a couple of years, you can benefit from these upgrades financially. You will continue to see savings on your utility bills from making this investment. Finally, one additional long-term benefit is that you will improve the resale value of your home from installing energy-efficient upgrades.  

Return on Investment

Ultimately, you want to make a sound financial decision for you and your family. Sometimes energy-efficient upgrades cost more than their traditional counterparts. Unless your sole purpose is helping the environment, it’s important to look at the return on your investment. Determine how long you expect to live in your current home. Look at the increased cost for the upgraded investment, and then determine your potential monthly savings. With this formula, you can see how long it will take before you see a return on your investment and whether that length of time justifies the increased cost. 

If you’re interested in upgrading your HVAC system, we are the experts to call. Contact McDevitt Air at 877-692-9402 to schedule an appointment today. 

Image provided by Shutterstock

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