Question 1

How can I get the highest possible appraisal for my property?

Accepted Answer

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While some aspects of an appraisal, such as comparable properties nearby, are out of your control, there are several steps you can take to potentially increase your home's value. Make any necessary repairs and upgrades before the appraiser's visit, as they can only value what is currently part of the home, not its potential. Examples include renovating older areas, updating landscaping to boost curb appeal, and staging your home. You can also provide the appraiser with the cost of recent upgrades, which may increase your home's value by about 50% or more of what you paid for those improvements.

Question 2

How much does a home energy audit cost?

Accepted Answer

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A home energy audit costs about $420 on average, with prices ranging from $100 to $2,250 or more. The final cost depends on factors like your home's size, location, the thoroughness of the audit, and the specific tests performed. A basic Level 1 walk-through inspection typically costs between $150 and $200, while a comprehensive Level 3 audit with detailed testing and a report costs around $900. Homeowners may be able to use the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act’s Energy Efficient Home Improvement credit to cover up to $150 of the audit cost.

Costs for common individual tests include:

Blower door test: $350
Duct testing: $100
HERS test: $375
HERS certification: $200
Infrared imaging: $200

Costs for common individual tests include:

Blower door test: $350
Duct testing: $100
HERS test: $375
HERS certification: $200
Infrared imaging: $200

Question 3

Are there energy-efficient options recommended by professionals?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, pros suggest units with high EER ratings for energy savings.

Question 4

Do whole-house dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?

Accepted Answer

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Dehumidifiers typically use 300 to 700 watts of electricity per hour, whereas portable dehumidifiers use about 40 watts per hour. The exact amount of electricity your dehumidifier will generate depends on its capacity and energy efficiency. Generally, higher-capacity dehumidifiers generate more electricity than lower-capacity units, but they also usually have better energy efficiency over the long run.

Question 5

How much energy do motion-sensor lights save?

Accepted Answer

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Motion-sensor lights use one watt while on standby and five watts while turned on. They’re usually on for one hour over a 24-hour period, bringing the total wattage to about 28 watts per day. LED lights use around 6.5 to 8 watts while on. If you leave an LED light on all night, with night ranging from 10 to 14 hours, you’re looking at using 65 to 112 watts a night. You can minimally cut your wattage in half by switching to a motion-sensor light.