Homeowners are showing more interest in sustainability than ever before, according to the National Association of Realtors, but a recent survey by Thumbtack and Rewiring America reveals that one-third of consumers say green remodeling projects are too expensive to actually implement. Still, the report finds that even low-cost sustainable upgrades can result in annual savings of $200 on electricity bills.
Those simple, cost-effective solutions involve small changes such as installing energy-efficient lighting and smart thermostats, which typically cost less than $500 but lead to long-term savings.
“The number one question we hear from consumers is where to start,” says Nicole Staple, head of market partnerships at Rewiring America. “Few people can afford to make these upgrades all at once, so the best first step is to take an inventory of the age of your appliances and then arrange for an energy audit of your home. From there, you can start to make a plan to switch to more efficient electric machines before your old appliances reach the end of their useful lives.”