The need for greater sustainability in the way live our lives is not just a trend that will pass, it will become an increasingly pressing issue that everyone will have to address sooner or later.
For homeowners living in Danville, California there is both a pressing need to make homes more ecologically friendly and also great incentives to do so. It helps that Danville is in a state which is arguably at the forefront of tackling climate change.
So, what can you do to make your home more sustainable or what should you look for if you’re looking for homes for sale in Danville CA?
Better Energy Use and Generation
When it comes to having a greener house, one of the most impactful factors is how energy efficient it is and if it can generate some or even all of its own power. This reduces the strain on the power grid and has the wonderful side effect of lowering your energy bills.
To generate your own power in the most cost-effective way, you’re looking at installing solar panels. This is much more viable than it was a couple of decades ago and the technology has improved considerably making solar panel technology more efficient and reliable. Luckily, with Danville being in California, you’re guaranteed to have sunny days for most of the year.
You have to take into consideration that the technology is not cheap and installing enough solar panels to power an average home will cost within the region of $12,000 to $17,000. However, California now provides incentives for those looking to make their homes greener and you may be entitled to a 30% tax credit when you install this technology.
Also, bear in mind that you will still need to be linked to the power grid as you cannot solely rely on solar as your only source of power. There will be days when it’s cloudy or raining and you’ll need to use traditional means of electricity.
This being said, if you do decide to go ahead with installing solar, you end up with cheaper bills that continually provide savings, a home that increases by around 4% in value, and the knowledge that you are doing your part to tackle climate change.
Less radical but just as important is to ensure your home conserves energy. This means making sure that your windows and doors are properly sealed which prevents or minimizes the inside temperature leaking out. The same principle applies to walls and attics which you’ll want to have checked as being highly efficient in maintaining the internal temperature.
Water Conservation
California is facing a water shortage issue and to combat this, homes can make much better use of their water. It’s true that most conservation drives come in the form of developing good habits among homeowners, such as not leaving faucets running.
However, homeowners can also take more proactive action. Improve your curb appeal by planting drought-resistant flora around your home. This will help you avoid annoyance when there may be a drought and lawn watering restrictions are put in place. You could also change your irrigation system from a sprinkler system to a drip system. A drip system is ultimately not only better for the environment but also your lawn as it delivers the right amount of water precisely where you need it.
As with ensuring your windows, doors, and walls are properly insulated, check on the integrity of your plumbing system. A toilet or faucet that is leaky may not seem like it’s using up too much water but over a prolonged length of time can waste a very considerable amount of water. Possibly more serious is a leaky pipe. Pipes burst or become damaged, so if you haven’t checked yours for a while, call in the professionals to ensure that you don’t have a leak that’s washing your money away on water bills.
Home improvements that focus on sustainability will become more prevalent in the coming years, and now (with California on a major environmental sustainability drive) may be the best time to start making your home greener.
