If you own a newer home built within the last decade or two, it is probably equipped with many up-to-date home performance and energy-efficient features. It’s likely that it has new, high efficiency heating and cooling systems and insulation with high R value. Leaks and cracks around windows and doors are less likely to be present. Water heaters, appliances and electronics probably require much less energy than their older counterparts, and so much more.
But, what about older homes? What about homes that your family stays in for many years and decades, even?
Well, it’s obvious that if a family stays in their home for a very extended period of time, their home is going to age with them. Just like we have to continue to take care of ourselves as we get older, we have to pay attention to and take care of our homes to keep it performing well over time.
Many homeowners stay in their homes for an extended period—at times many, many decades. Over this large span of time, an aging home can come with some tricky challenges when it comes to rising costs associated with operating that particular home. Without significant changes or certain upgrades, a home requires the same amount of fuel and energy to keep it warm or properly functioning. It’s obvious that the costs of fuel rise dramatically over a long period of time.
This could make it difficult to keep up with rising costs. Many older homeowners, especially those on fixed retirement incomes, often struggle with these rising prices. Energy efficiency upgrades can help make that home much more efficient, therefore lowering the overall energy usage and costs associated with keeping the home comfortable. By increasing the home’s performance, the added efficiency can help offset the rising costs discussed above.
Speaking of down the line, homeownership is an investment that can provide a great return for future generations. If you plan on eventually passing your home along to a loved one, it’s important to make all the necessary upgrades and enhancements that are financially feasible so that the investment will continue to grow value over time and not deteriorate with an uncared for home. There are many great resources, including this link that lists some finance programs, tax credits and incentives in place to make these improvements easier on the wallet in our Pacific Northwest area.
If you’re in an older home that has definitely aged over time and you’d like to explore upgrading its performance and making it feel (and act) like new again, contact BelRed today for help.
