When buying a home, you’re likely going to be thinking about features that will fit your needs and lifestyle. However, if you plan on eventually selling your home, you may also be considering what aspects could help improve the resale value. Energy efficient home features are often useful selling points, as they can offer financial, environmental and health benefits for buyers.
Keep reading to learn how energy efficient home features could help improve the resale value of your home!
Types of energy efficient home features
Energy efficient features can be incorporated into your home during the construction process or can be installed after the fact. Common examples may include:
- ENERGY STAR®-certified appliances:
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), appliances can account for almost 11% of energy use in an average home. For this reason, having energy efficient appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines can make a big difference in a home’s overall energy usage. The EPA’s ENERGY STAR® label indicates products that meet government energy efficiency standards. - ENERGY STAR® certification for the whole home:
Did you know that entire houses can also be ENERGY STAR®-certified? Homes built to the ENERGY STAR® standards are designed to reduce energy and water waste without sacrificing comfort and convenience for buyers. These certified homes can save homeowners an average of $250 a year, according to the EPA. - Energy scores:
Several scoring methods are available to signify whether a home meets certain energy standards. Richmond American homes, for instance, receive ratings from the HERS® Index. Created by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET®), this index uses a range of scores to rate homes on their energy efficiency—the lower the score, the greater the efficiency. Another methodology is the Home Energy Score™ (HES) developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, which also recommends energy-saving improvements. In a study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, researchers found that a one-point increase in HES was associated with a 0.5% increase in sale price for rated homes. - Energy efficient lighting:
As incandescent lighting is phased out, LED bulbs are an efficient alternative—they are longer-lasting, use less energy and generate less heat. (For more tips on lighting a home to sell, check out this article.) - Indoor airPLUS qualification:
To qualify for this EPA-developed program, a home must meet strict construction requirements and be ENERGY STAR®-certified. Qualified homes can offer improved air quality, protection against pollutants, enhanced comfort and more. - Solar power systems:
The U.S. government has labeled solar energy the “fastest growing and most affordable source of new electricity in America,” and for good reason. Solar technology is clean, renewable and reliable, which is great news for both buyers and sellers. In fact, solar panels increase a home’s value by an average 4.1% across the country, according to Zillow®. - Tankless water heaters:
These systems can produce hot water on demand, which means they only heat water as it is needed. The U.S. Department of Energy states that they can be “24%–34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters” (for homes that use a maximum of 41 gallons of hot water daily).
Benefits of energy efficient home features
Green homes can offer numerous advantages for buyers, including:
- Utility cost savings
- Improved indoor air quality
- Enhanced comfort and temperature regulation
- Greater peace of mind
There is also the added benefit of environmental sustainability, which is a growing concern among homebuyers. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of REALTORS® in 2023, nearly half of the respondents had clients that were “at least somewhat interested in sustainability.”
To put it simply, today’s homebuyers are looking for a home that is better for their wallet, their health and the environment. Energy efficient home features are among the top items on buyer wish lists, according to the National Association of Home Builder’s annual What Home Buyers Really Want study. Additionally, research by Freddie Mac found that homes with higher energy efficiency ratings sold for an average of 2.7% more than homes without high ratings.
If you’re looking for a green home of your own, be sure to speak with a sales associate about energy efficient features that may be available in your area. For more information, call 888.799.8322.
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