Should you use green energy in your home?
In recent years, awareness and action surrounding climate change has grown exponentially. People are looking for ways to be more eco-friendly and limit their negative effect on the environment. Sometimes, people also implement green energy solutions to help! What is green energy, and is it something you want to use in your house? Here’s what you need to know.
What is green energy?
Green energy, or renewable energy, is energy created from a natural source such as the sun or wind. These methods of energy production are less damaging to the environment because they come from renewable resources that we find in nature, as opposed to fossil fuels. For example, coal, natural gas, and oil are common fossil fuels used in homes. These all have negative impacts on the environment, which forms the argument for using renewable energy.
Using green energy in the home can take many forms. For example, some homeowners install solar panels on their roofs, which create energy from the sun and power the home without the need for non-renewable sources. Solar energy can also be used to heat water. Other ways to make your home more eco-friendly include the use of smart thermostats, and replacing old windows with those that regulate temperature better. Any improvement that makes the home more energy efficient helps the environment!
How does it benefit you?
Green energy has many advantages for homeowners. Perhaps the most obvious draw is the positive impact on the environment. Without the use of non-renewable energy sources, homes are able to operate in a way that doesn’t harm the environment and helps keep it clean. As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent topic, many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their own carbon footprint. Another attraction of green energy is the amount of savings homeowners can collect. Smart devices such as thermostats and windows can keep utility bills low by using energy more efficiently. Since the costs of living keep rising, this would be a welcome break for most homeowners! Finally, homes that utilize green energy can be attractive to potential buyers. If you are thinking about selling your home, this might be an investment that brings in more interest and attention.
Are there any drawbacks?
The biggest drawback to using green energy in the home is the initial cost. In the long run, making use of eco-friendly solutions is often cheaper for homeowners. Using products that regulate temperature and operate in the most energy-efficient way ensures your bills stay as low as possible. However, the initial hurdle of setting up these solutions can be quite pricey. Since green energy is still fairly new and in high demand, it can be costly to have it installed. It’s important to evaluate your budget before embarking on this eco-friendly adventure. Second, there will be some disruptions in your home if you opt to go green. Depending on what changes you implement, these might not be anything major. However, your day to day will likely be interrupted for a short while. For example, installing solar panels on your roof will cause a certain amount of noise and activity in the home. If you are home all day, this is something to keep in mind!
Is it right for you?
Ultimately, is green energy a good option for you? It has many advantages, but also some drawbacks to consider. When making this decision, you should think about your future plans as well as your finances. Do you plan to stay in your home long-term? If so, you might enjoy the benefits of renewable energy and lower utility bills. However, if you hope to sell, this investment could also be a good way to get buyers’ attention. It depends on whether you want to enjoy these changes yourself, or use them as a way to potentially increase your home’s value on the market. Of course, your finances will play a huge part as well! You must ensure you have the money to support these investments. Your broker can help you determine whether you are in a good position as a homeowner to dive into green energy solutions.
Much like with any other housing decision, this can be a hard choice to make. The good news is we are here to help you choose the right path! As mortgage brokers, we can discuss your current financial situation, your goals, and your future plans to find the right solution for you. Every homeowner is unique, and we have the experience to guide you!
If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with me!