Home energy savings ideas when looking at homes for sale

When checking out homes for sale, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority says it's a good idea to inspect the property's plumbing, electricity and other key areas related to energy use to determine how much you may pay for energy bills.

Starting in the attic and moving your way down is a prudent way to discover a home for energy efficiency, according to the NYERDA. The first thing the agency says you should inspect is the level of insulation in the room. If floor joists are easily visible, the NYERDA states you'll need to add more to keep warm air in during the cold seasons and cool air during warm months.

Next, the agency suggests checking out the property's bathrooms. Turn on the faucets and check underneath them to ensure water flow is normal and no leaks exist. Take a close look at the showerhead for leaks and deterioration. Vanity lights are popular in bathrooms in homes throughout the country, but the NYERDA says they can use up a lot of electricity. Replacing them with more energy-efficient light bulbs may be able to provide you with home savings each month.

The NYERDA states nearly one-fifth of all energy used in a home comes from appliances in the kitchen, so creating energy savings here is something you should put high on your list as a "must" when shopping for a new house. EnergyStar appliances can save a considerable amount of energy in comparison to standard appliances, the source says. While all new appliances may cost you some money in the short-term, you'll likely find the purchases were worth it years down the line.

In a home's basement, the NYERDA suggests first checking out the furnace. Dirty filters in a furnace can restrict airflow in a house, the source says, so you'll want to make sure the furnace's filters are replaced should you buy the property. Additionally, the NYERDA recommends looking at other fixtures in the basement, as many builders tend to place electric boards and plumbing controls in the room.

Once all rooms have been adequately inspected, the NYERDA states you should look closely at windows and doors for durability, as well as all outlets and lights. 

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