Are green home updates worth the hassle?

What if you could save money and make money at the same time? With the right home improvements, you can. Lower your utility bills and increase your home’s resale value in one fell swoop when you make smart energy-saving updates to your home.

If you’re investing in renovations this year, make sure these three money-saving upgrades are on your radar:

• Replace your windows. Over time, window frames loosen, allowing air to flow in and out of the home more easily. Consider replacing your older windows with new, double-paned ones to cut down on drafts. 
  
  You can even opt for tinted windows to reduce the energy needed to cool your home, possibly saving you hundreds of dollars each year. This has the added benefit of refreshing your home’s look, making it more appealing to future buyers, who might in turn make a larger purchase offer.
  
  
• Switch to Energy Star-approved appliances. These use less water and electricity, and are designed to operate more efficiently on the whole. Energy Star offers rebates on particular products, saving you even more money. 
  
  Another plus? Green certified homes with Energy Star appliances may sell quicker and for more money than comparable homes that are non-certified.
  
  
• Add more insulation. Upgrading the insulation in your home helps keep inside air from escaping and lowers your energy bills. You can also use spray foam insulation in smaller areas, like walls, crawl spaces or around ducting. 

In addition to these improvements, make sure to learn about any green tax credits, rebates or utility discounts you can receive in your area. Municipalities and utility providers often offer incentives to homeowners who make energy-efficient upgrades to their properties. Those programs can help you save even more.