There are many reasons to make your home more eco-friendly. Whether remodeling an existing space for yourself or preparing your San Francisco home for sale, there are a plethora of benefits to adding technologies that make your home greener. Green products are energy efficient and yield a high return on investment. Plus, studies have shown that buyers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly homes.
The recent surge of eco-friendly technologies in the San Francisco real estate space (as well as the global market) means that new green products and eco-friendly technologies are on-trend, look great, and are sustainably sourced. Here are a few items that can make your home more eco-friendly.
Solar Shingles
Adding solar panels to save on energy costs is nothing new, as solar panels have been bolted onto roofs for decades. In previous years, adding solar cables came at a cost--with the clunky array of cables and junction boxes, they were tough to look at. Now, things have changed. Tesla has come out with a line of solar roof products that turn your roof itself into a solar statement piece. The tiles are built from traditional materials like asphalt, slate, and terracotta, which means they look great. Each tile has its own solar unit and sports a lifetime warranty.
Energy-Efficient Door
Having a good-looking entrance does wonder for the appearance of a home. It’s the first thing you see on the way in and the last thing you look at on the way out. If your current door is old or worn, replacing it won’t just add to the look of your home--it can save you a bundle in energy costs and make your home more sustainable. Installing an energy star-certified door made of fiberglass or steel can greatly decrease a building’s heating and cooling costs. The decision of which material to choose depends on where you live: fiberglass is better for harsh climates, and steel is better for more temperate zones. Whichever you decide, replacing your door can yield a 90% return on investment.
Tankless Water Heater
No longer do you need a rust-rimmed tank taking up space in the basement or garage? Tankless or on-demand water heaters are wall-mounted, take up little space, and only heat water when you need it, greatly reducing a home’s energy output, which can yield savings of up to 50%.
Native Plant Gardens
Adding native plants to your landscape can decrease your property’s carbon footprint. Unlike gardens and lawns of old that required near-constant watering and increased water costs, native plant gardens are uniquely adapted to the San Francisco eco-region and require fewer resources. Native plants thrive because they are adapted to the climate and have developed resistance to local pests, requiring less maintenance.
