{"id":27611,"date":"2024-04-16T09:29:06","date_gmt":"2024-04-16T15:29:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/?p=27611"},"modified":"2024-04-16T09:29:10","modified_gmt":"2024-04-16T15:29:10","slug":"how-energy-efficient-home-features-improve-resale-value","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/how-energy-efficient-home-features-improve-resale-value\/","title":{"rendered":"How Energy Efficient Home Features Improve Resale Value"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Homes<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When buying a home, you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep reading to learn how energy efficient home features could help improve the resale value of your home!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of energy efficient home features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Energy efficient features can be incorporated into your home during the construction process or can be installed after the fact. Common examples may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. ENERGY STAR\u00ae-certified appliances<\/strong>:
    According to the     U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)<\/a>, 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\u2019s overall energy usage. The EPA\u2019s ENERGY STAR\u00ae label indicates products that meet government energy efficiency standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. ENERGY STAR\u00ae certification for the whole home: <\/strong>
    Did you know that entire houses can also be     ENERGY STAR\u00ae-certified<\/a>? Homes built to the ENERGY STAR\u00ae 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.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Energy scores: <\/strong>
    Several scoring methods are available to signify whether a home meets certain energy standards. <\/strong>Richmond American homes, for instance, receive ratings from the     HERS\u00ae Index<\/a>. Created by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET\u00ae), this index uses a range of scores to rate homes on their energy efficiency\u2014the lower the score, the greater the efficiency. Another methodology is the Home Energy Score\u2122 (HES) developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, which also recommends energy-saving improvements. In a study<\/a> 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Energy efficient lighting<\/strong>:
    As incandescent lighting is phased out, <\/strong>LED bulbs are an efficient alternative\u2014they are longer-lasting, use less energy and generate less heat. <\/strong>(For more tips on lighting a home to sell, check out this <\/em>    article<\/em><\/a>.)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Indoor airPLUS qualification<\/strong>:
    To qualify for this EPA-developed program, a home must meet strict construction requirements and be ENERGY STAR\u00ae-certified.     Qualified homes<\/a> can offer improved air quality, protection against pollutants, enhanced comfort and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Solar power systems<\/strong>:
    The     U.S. government<\/a> has labeled solar energy the \u201cfastest growing and most affordable source of new electricity in America,\u201d and for good reason. Solar technology<\/a> is clean, renewable and reliable, which is great news for both buyers and sellers. In fact, solar panels increase a home\u2019s value by an average 4.1% across the country, according to Zillow\u00ae<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Tankless water heaters: <\/strong>
    These systems can produce hot water on demand, <\/strong>which means they only heat water as it is needed. The     U.S. Department of Energy<\/a> states that they can be \u201c24%\u201334% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters\u201d (for homes that use a maximum of 41 gallons of hot water daily). <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Benefits of energy efficient home features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Green homes can offer numerous advantages for buyers, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n