RESOURCES

Energy tips to look for when purchasing a house.

According to Utility Bill Busters, when purchasing a home, it is important to look at the energy consumption the house currently has. These tips can help you save money on your energy bill, which translate into long-term savings:

1. Look for energy efficient appliances. Usually if they are energy efficient they will have an energy guide sticker on them. You can check the efficiency and the relative costs for each appliance.
2. Check the age and condition of the delivery ducts and vents.
3. Ask when the last HVAC job was done. Also ask if the current owners installed central air or a new furnace after the home was built or during the time that they lived there.
4. Check the age and condition of the hot water tank. Also check if the unit is located in an unheated area like a basement.
5. Are the delivery pipes or ducts insulated, as this is a sign that the current owners are conscious about energy use and savings?
6. What is the age of the windows? Are they vinyl? New vinyl windows reduce energy costs because vinyl insulates better than other materials.
7. Are there door sweeps on the doors, and are the doors in good condition? If the doors are in good condition that means that air probably isn't leaking through, and therefore saving energy costs.
8. Is the house equipped with a programmable thermostat? This helps save energy costs because you can control the temperature of the room during any time of the day and during any season.

If you can identify whether these energy efficient tips have been followed, it will help you determine if this is the right house for you. A more expensive home that is energy efficient can actually help save you money in the long run.