This is the time of year when we all feel lucky to live in the Valley of the Sun. The weather is spectacular and it’s that amazing time of year when we don’t need heating or air conditioning. With the rising cost of energy that is being anticipated worldwide this winter, we feel especially fortunate this year that we don’t have the same challenges as those who live in colder climates where heating costs are expected to rise by as much as 30 percent.
While we will have great weather in the coming months, now is actually the time of year to start making smart energy-efficient improvements to your home. Instead of rushing before the summer hits, you will have time to do your research and may even get a tax credit for 2022 Check out our tips below.
INCREASE YOUR INSULATION:
You probably never thought about re-insulating your home, but it is estimated that 90 percent of homes in the United States are under-insulated. Blown-in insulation settles over time and, as it does, reduces your home’s energy efficiency. Both Salt River Project (SRP) and the IRS offer rebates and credits to help defray the costs. Check out SRPnet.com and EnergyStar.gov for all the details.
INSTALL SMART THERMOSTATS
Programmable thermostats are great, but smart thermostats are even better. SRP is currently offering smart thermostats at a substantial discount. You can also get up to $100 off your SRP bill when you join the SRP Bring Your Own Thermostat Program.
UPGRADE YOUR AC SYSTEM
Did you know that during the summer up to 50 percent of your electric bill can come from your air conditioner? If your HVAC system is in need of replacement, consider doing the swap during the winter months when HVAC contractors are not as busy
SRP offers up to a $1,125 rebate on a new energyefficient AC and you may also be eligible for federal residential energy efficiency tax credits. Check out SRPnet.com and EnergyStar.gov for all the details.
ORDER SHADE SCREENS:
According to SRP, “about 50 percent of the heat that enters your home comes through the windows.” This means that shade screens are one of the best investments in the energy efficiency of your home.
SRP has rebates for sunscreens installed on sunstruck windows, which are defined as east, west, and southexposed windows.
ASSESS YOUR WATER HEATER:
Did you know that your water heater is the second largest consumer of energy in your home? A few small lifestyle choices can really make a difference in the amount of energy used, such as taking shorter showers.
Do you need to replace your water heater? Then don’t forget that the City of Mesa will give you a $25 rebate if you purchase a natural gas water heater and an efficient water heater may also qualify you for federal residential energy efficiency tax credits. Visit MesaAZ.gov and EnergyStar.gov for more details.
Wondering which upgrades will add the most value to your home? Call us for a consultation and let us help you think through the best way to invest in your property.
John and Natascha Karadsheh are co-owners of KOR Properties, a boutique real estate brokerage serving the Valley of the Sun.
John is the Designated Broker of KOR Properties and has been a Multi-Million Dollar producing agent for over 20 years. He is an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and serves on the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) Rules & Policies Committee, ARMLS Appeals Committee, and the West and Southeast Realtors of the Valley Professional Standards Committee.
Natascha is a Multi-Million Dollar Producer and Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR). She is the Founder of Mesa Food Truck Fridays, a Member and Past-Chair of the City of Mesa Economic Development Advisory Board, and on the Board of Directors of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.