Sustainable Living: 6 Eco-Friendly Home Remodeling Projects for North Central Ohio Homeowners (And 3 to Avoid)

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the near future, chances are that eco-friendly features have crossed your mind at some point, and for good reason. Aside from the positive environmental impact, eco-friendly homes generally sell for up to 5% more than homes that have not been optimized, and homes that are LEED certified can even achieve energy usage reductions up to 60%. So what does that mean for the average North Central Ohio homeowner (beyond lower energy bills)? It means that taking on eco-friendly home remodeling projects is a great way to add value to your house. But which projects will bring the most value and which ones can you skip? Let’s take a look at 6 eco-friendly home remodeling projects that are worth it… and 3 that aren’t.

Looking for an Energy-Efficient Home in North Central Ohio? — The experts at CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate are here to help. Connect with us today.

5 Eco-Friendly Home Remodeling That Add the Most Value to Your Home

#1: Solar Panels with Battery Storage

Solar panels with battery storage are a top-tier eco-friendly upgrade for North Central Ohio homes, offering significant financial savings by reducing or even eliminating monthly energy bills. Battery storage enhances this efficiency by storing excess power for use during cloudy days or at night.

As sustainability becomes a priority for many buyers, homes with solar energy systems often sell faster and at higher prices, making this upgrade both an eco-friendly choice and a smart investment that boosts property value.

#2: Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Energy-efficient windows and doors are another valuable eco-friendly home remodeling project for North Central Ohio homes. These types of doors and windows improve insulation, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Not only does this lower heating and cooling costs, but it also presents a more comfortable and attractive home for buyers who prioritize energy-efficient features.

As a result, energy-efficient windows and doors can significantly increase your home’s market value and appeal, making them a smart investment for both savings and resale potential.

#3: High-Efficiency HVAC Systems

High-efficiency HVAC systems are an excellent eco-friendly upgrade for North Central Ohio homes. They optimize heating and cooling performance, which reduces energy consumption and lowers utility bills. These systems also handle Ohio’s varying weather more effectively than standard alternatives, improving indoor comfort.

High-efficiency HVAC systems are an excellent selling point for buyers who value energy savings, which can, in turn, boost your home’s market value.

#4: Water Conservation Upgrades

Water conservation upgrades are another smart eco-friendly choice for North Central Ohio homes. Features like low-flow fixtures and drought-resistant landscaping help reduce water usage and lower utility bills.

By investing in water conservation, you can enhance your home’s comfort, save on water costs, and increase its market value, making it a worthwhile upgrade for both savings and resale potential.

#5: Cool Roofs

Finally, cool roofs are another worthwhile eco-friendly home remodeling project. Designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, these kinds of roofs contribute to keeping your home cooler (thereby reducing cooling costs) in the hot summer months.

Like many of the other items on our list, cool roofs can improve your home’s comfort and attract buyers who are looking for better energy-efficiency.

3 Eco-Friendly Home Remodeling Projects to Skip

When considering eco-friendly home remodeling projects, it’s good to be cautious of those that may fall under the category of “greenwashing”. Greenwashed products and features are those that are marketed as being eco-friendly but that actually fail to deliver the benefits. Three excellent examples of this include:

• Tankless Water Heaters — The efficiency of tankless water heaters drops in higher demand homes, so they may not be a good choice for larger households.

• Reflective Roof Coatings — These are designed to reflect sunlight and minimize heat absorption, but they are generally not as effective as certified cool roofs

• “Eco-friendly” Paints — Many paints are marketed as “eco-friendly” due to low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but they do not have a significant impact on energy efficiency compared to other upgrades

When in Doubt, Consult a Real Estate Agent

If you’ve been thinking about taking on some eco-friendly home remodeling projects, it’s always a great idea to consult a real estate agent. A local real estate agent will be able to provide you with guidance on which upgrades will bring the most value to your home. They know the market and what buyers are currently looking for. They also usually have a large network of contractors and can recommend professionals who specialize in eco-friendly upgrades.

Find Your Ideal Energy-Efficient Home with CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell an eco-friendly home, CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate is here to help. We’re a team of real estate professionals that has been serving communities in North Central Ohio for decades. Our business has been here since 1939. In that time, we’ve grown to encompass several professionals and a wealth of expertise. No matter your real estate goals, we have the market knowledge, the connections, and the dedication to help you meet them.