We all know that making improvements to your home can often yield a higher resale value. A new roof, upgraded kitchen, or spa-inspired bathroom, are all desirable features that buyers will often pay a premium for. However, what about improvements that pertain to the environmental sustainability of the home?

A new report by the North Carolina Building Performance Association finds that high-performance homes and buildings (both new construction and homes with retrofitted improvements) come with a 9.5% price premium. What this means is that energy-efficient homes will often enable a seller to net a financial gain when selling.

So what are some of the best home features you should look for or improve in your own Durham, NC home? Continue reading to find out.

Dual Pane Windows

Depending on the age of your home, your windows probably vary when it comes to energy efficiency. Older, wood-frame windows can almost be considered as gaping holes in the insulation and energy-efficiency of your home. Have you ever put your hand near the window on a particularly cold day? Chances are, you can feel the cold radiating from the pane. If cold can get in through the window, you can bet that heat can also get out.

Dual pane windows have two sheets of glass with a space between for added insulation. These windows are better in high-performance homes and are becoming the standard in new constructions. Dual pane windows will keep heat in the best and put less strain on your HVAC system.

Geothermal Heating Systems

Making the switch to a geothermal heating system might be expensive upfront, but the savings and value will more than pay for it in the long-run. A geothermal system uses the heat from below ground to control the temperature in your home. Rows of piping are installed underground, and a water-based solution is piped through that captures the heat and transfers it to your home. Depending on your property, the pipes can be installed both vertically and horizontally.

Since this heating method doesn’t use fuel to burn, it will result in massive savings on your energy bill and also provide the most eco-friendly heating option.

Smart Thermostats

This is one of the easiest improvements a homeowner can make. Smart thermostats are gaining popularity with homeowners because they are convenient and simple to use. They are also efficient and result in significant energy savings.

Smart thermostats are an awesome home automation tool. These units are programmable and can follow your unique schedule, alert you to maintenance issues, and improve the comfort and efficiency in your home. A smart thermostat is a definite feature of a high-performance home.

Air Quality

Efficiency is not the only factor of a high-performance home. Safety and health are also considered. Installing indoor air quality appliances such as dehumidifiers or UV air sanitizers are also a good idea to improve the performance and value of your property.

A whole-home dehumidifier will improve allergies and prevent mold growth while a UV air sanitizer instantly kills any airborne pathogens or bacteria that could make inhabitants sick.

Whether you’re planning to sell your home or building in the next few years or you simply wish to make your home more safe and efficient, you should certainly take these high-performance features into consideration before buying a house or planning a renovation.