Eco-friendly home updates have become increasingly popular in recent years as environmental awareness has grown. Many also help homeowners save money through reduced energy and water bills. When it comes time to sell your home, green updates appeal to a larger number of homebuyers who may be willing to pay a premium for these features. Our real estate agents suggest that when updating your home, you consider greener choices. These are a few updates to consider to make your home stand out from other Klamath Falls homes for sale.

• Energy- and water-efficient appliances
  If you have older appliances, replacing them with new energy-efficient versions can help reduce power bills month after month without a drop in performance. The savings may be bigger than you think. For example, an energy-efficient washing machine uses up to 50% less energy and about 55% less water than its regular counterpart. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when shopping for appliances and the WaterSense label when buying shower heads and toilets.
  
  
• HVAC system 
  Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system if you have an older unit. This change will not only reduce power bills but also help your home to feel more comfortable. And when you're selling your home, an older HVAC system can be a turn-off to buyers who don't want to have to replace it.
  
  
• Programmable thermostat
  Installing a programmable thermostat is a way to get an appealing upgrade without spending much money. These thermostats can be programmed to keep your home at a desired temperature while everyone's away at work or school and then turn on before everyone returns to a comfortably heated or cooled home. It can also be adjusted for longer changes, such as operating at a lower level while you're away on vacation.
  
  
• LED lighting While LED lights are more expensive than regular ones, they provide energy savings as well as increased longevity. Compared to incandescent bulbs, LED lighting lasts up to 25 times longer and consumes up to 90% less energy.
  
  
• Attic sealing and insulation
  Consult an expert to find out whether the insulation in your attic is appropriate for your climate and to ensure it's properly sealed to prevent air leaks. Even if your home was properly insulated at one time, insulation material can become wet because of leaks or settle and need replacing or adding to.
  
  
• Water heater
  Heating water accounts for about 20% of an average home's energy use. If you're replacing your water heater, you'll have several energy-efficient options, including gas tank heaters, electric hybrid water heaters, and gas tankless water heaters, which let heated water flow to your taps more quickly.
  
  
• Carpet and flooring
  If you're selling your home, you may be replacing your carpeting and flooring. Look for eco-friendly, sustainable materials like bamboo and cork when replacing flooring and natural fibers like sisal or jute when buying new carpet. Installation is also important, so choose an installer who will use non-toxic adhesives and padding.
  
  
• Paint
  A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to make your home look more attractive. And if you choose eco-friendly paint, this will also appeal to even more buyers. Regular wall paint can emit low-level toxic emissions for years after its initial application, so choose eco-friendly options.

Contact us if you want to buy or sell a home in the Klamath Falls, OR, area. We've served the community for over 50 years and are dedicated to providing each client with the best customer service.