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I
mproving your property, increasing
its value and cutting down on costs
are common goals for homeowners.
So naturally, investing in features that are
better for the environment is, by extension,
good for the wallet because it reduces the
costs of utilities in the long run. However,
it can be difficult to know which home
improvements can make the biggest
impact on the comfort and value of your
home — and the planet.
To help guide your efforts, consid-
er these four green ideas that can help
improve efficiencies, save you money and
protect the earth:
1. PARTICIPATE IN THE ENERGY
STAR® HOME UPGRADE PROGRAM
Start by thinking about which eco-smart
steps make the most sense for your home.
The ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) is a series of six high-impact, efficient
improvements that can save the average
family about $500 a year on utility bills.
You can work through the steps as budget
and need arise. Two of the most accessible
home improvements in the program are
insulating your attic and upgrading to an
ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat
with smart climate controls.
2. UPGRADE TO A
HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER
Water heaters are the second-highest
energy user in homes. Switching to an
ENERGY STAR certified high-efficiency
water heater with heat pump technology
can save homeowners over $300 every
year, making this a high-impact upgrade.
Meeting the EPA
’s ENERGY STAR
requirements, the new Inverter Heat Pump
Water Heater from LG is integrated with
cutting-edge, high-performance technolo-
gies. As a result, it’s an energy-efficient alter-
native to electric resistance and gas water
heaters, helping homeowners save money
and the planet. Visit LGComfortZone.com
to learn more.
3. UPGRADE YOUR HVAC
TO A HEAT PUMP SYSTEM
To continue your home’s transition from
fossil fuels to cleaner, earth-friendly
options, consider heat pump technology
for your heating and cooling needs. Heat
pumps work efficiently by transferring
heat in or out of a home for ideal comfort
rather than generating it. This makes it
possible to maintain comfortable tem-
High-Impact Green Upgrades
Transform Your Home and Save Money
BPT
74 | JULY 14 • 2022
REAL ESTATE