(Photo by Brodie Vissers from Burst)

Whether you are looking to build, buy, or retrofit a home, there are many reasons to invest in energy efficiencies.

Today’s homeowners want sustainability, not just for home construction features, but to maintain long-term affordability as well. Most of the time when we think of energy-efficient homes, we’re just looking for ways to use less energy, but there are also a number of innovative ways to have an energy-efficient home with sustainable and renewable energy options that exist — such as solar photovoltaics, wind power, geothermal energy, hydro-electric power, and biomass fuels. 

But in addition to how, why should energy efficiency be a priority when shopping for a new home? There are a number of reasons to keep it at the top of your must-have list when looking for homes in the Springfield and Burke areas.

Benefits of an Energy-Efficient Home

Save Money

The top reason why most people want an energy-efficient home is to save money. With an energy-efficient home, the true cost of homeownership is lower due to reduced utility costs, longer-lasting appliances and construction materials, not to mention less maintenance and repairs.

Making a home energy efficient is more than about sealing underneath doors and keeping windows tight. Switching to a programmable thermostat and energy-efficient light bulbs also reduces electricity use and helps to save money.

ENERGY STAR certified appliances and high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioners also consume less energy than traditional models. 

You can learn just how much money your energy-efficient home will save you by using the HERS Index, which measures your home’s energy efficiency and helps to predict the cost of your utility bills. The lower the score, the more efficient the home, with so much savings potential over the life of your home.

Save the Environment 

An energy-efficient home consumes fewer natural resources and reduces your impact on the environment. Driving down you and your home’s carbon footprint should make you feel better about your investment.

Live in Comfort

Having an energy-efficient home makes it easier to manage heating and cooling. This management actually keeps your home at a more even temperature, which ultimately provides the maximum comfort for those who reside within it.

And you may actually breathe easier — literally. If you or someone else who lives in the house has problems with allergies, energy efficiency can allow greater control over the indoor air quality, since pollen and other outdoor allergens and moisture won’t get inside the house through small cracks, leaky windows, and doors that aren’t properly sealed.

Elevate Your Property Value

Not only will you appreciate your home’s energy efficiencies, but future buyers undoubtedly will as well. When you purchase a home with specific sustainable innovations or make these upgrades a priority, your house could be worth more and bring in a better price, because the new owners will get to enjoy the benefits of having an energy-efficient home already mentioned, such as saving money and having a more comfortable home.

What Does All of This Mean?

Building an energy-efficient home may be more advantageous than upgrading everything separately, but if you’re on the early side of this trend, and you have found a built home that you love, you may need to decide on your own energy-efficiency investments. 

When you’re buying a home, know that there are a lot of advantages to upgrading a home that’s already energy-efficient even if the price tag is a little higher. Whether it is upgrading or installing energy-efficient appliances, windows, or even changing the mix of fuel used to heat or cool your home, all of these can provide a great return on investment from an energy savings perspective.

Sure, energy efficiency is often the more expensive option in the short term when compared with conventional alternatives, but the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the typical household can save 25% on utility bills with energy efficiency measures — which amounts to over $2,200 annually! With rising prices, any savings at all makes a strong case for investment in energy efficiency today, but the added comfort, environmental stewardship, and boost to future property value are certainly also important factors to consider. 

If you’re looking to buy a home in the Springfield or Burke areas, contact LIST WITH ELIZABETH®. We’d love to help you find a property with energy efficiencies that can be leveraged and make your home not just a place you’ll love to live, but also an even greater investment.