Energy-Efficient Features That Could Increase the Appeal of Your Home

Did you know Florida home buyers are more attracted to homes with energy-efficient features and upgrades? And, that energy-efficient home tend to sell at a higher price point?

According to myfloridahomeenergy.com:

One study found ENERGY STAR® Certified New Homes in the Raleigh/Durham area of North Carolina sold for an average price premium of $5,566 (or $2.99 per square foot) more, 89 days faster, and with final sale vs. original listing price ratios 0.48 percent greater than their code-built comparables. Another study in Fort Collins, Colorado, found this ENERGY STAR® Certified New Homes price premium to be as high as $8.66 more per square foot. However, in order for these benefits to be fully realized, residential real estate markets…need to bridge the persistent “disconnects” between high-performance home program implementers, real estate professionals, property appraisers, and households both buying and selling homes.

When we work with clients, we prioritize preparing the home for sale. Our post, Preparing to Sell Your Florida Home…, includes a 7-Point checklist, and energy-efficient upgrades are on the list!

When you’re wondering, “What will help to sell my home faster,” we recommend working with a Volusia County agency that knows how to connect the dots between energy-conscious buyers, property appraisers, and sellers. In the meantime, here are suggestions to improve your soon-to-be-sold home’s energy systems. 

What Can I Do to Sell My Home Faster?

Good question. The first thing we always recommend is to work with an experienced and reputable real estate agent in your area. 

The second is doing a whole-home energy audit and to analyze your home’s strengths and weaknesses objectively. From there, you’ll be able to determine which features and upgrades make the most sense to complete before your home goes on the market.

1. Schedule a Whole-Home Energy Audit

Home energy audits, or energy assessments, are the only way to determine your home’s weak links and amend them if necessary. We recommend visiting the energy.gov website’s page on Home Energy Assessments, which explains what they are and offers information for DIY audits and assessments from professional home energy assessors (as well as links to find qualified assessors near you).

An inspection of this nature evaluates the home from top to bottom, including roofs, attics, insulation, air sealing, appliances, lighting systems, and the HVAC system and ductwork. The results help you to set up an itemized list in order of priority, so you can get your home in energy-efficient order. If your home is newer or you’ve already done much of this work already, your professional assessment – stating all is up to date – impresses energy-conscious prospective home buyers.

Once you’ve made the recommended changes, use floridabuilding.org’s EnergyGuage Rating sheet , usually used by buyers, to streamline the way you advertise your home’s energy efficiency with prospective buyers and their agents. 

2. Advertise Passive Solar Design Features

Passive solar design is a buzzword in contemporary energy-efficient home design. By consciously orienting the home on the lot to optimize solar warmth and shade – and implementing awnings, covered porches, or landscaping that blocks direct sunlight on south/west exposure – your home reduces solar heat gain that drives HVAC costs upwards.

If your home has these features in place, make sure to promote them in literature or on your list of energy-efficient home features. If it doesn’t, a few well-placed new trees and seasonal awnings or patio covers are affordable upgrades that reap cumulative benefits over time for future buyers. You can also consider things like energy-efficient window film installation on older windows increase their efficiency and ability to minimize solar heat gain.

3. Upgrade insulation

If your home is 20 years old or older and you’ve never replaced or updated the insulation, now is the time. Removing and replacing outdated insulation is an affordable upgrade that has long-term energy savings benefits. Plus, adequate insulation improves year-round whole-home comfort. 

While the insulation contractor is up in the attic or in crawl spaces, he may also notice any evidence of historical roof leaks or mold/mildew damage that needs to be eliminated. This work also increases your home’s appeal to buyers.

4. Install ceiling fans

Installing ceiling fans is another way to affordably add energy-efficient upgrades without any major structural work. According to energy.gov, “If you use air conditioning to cool your home, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.”

That seemingly minor degree difference adds up to hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in utility savings each year, depending on how frequently a homeowner uses the AC. This effect only takes place when occupants are in a room or space, so remote control fans with a timer or motion sensor further increase the fans’ efficiency benefits.

5. Replace an old thermostat 

Consider replacing your old thermostat with a smart controlled version. Innovative thermostats are affordable to purchase and reap incredible energy efficiency savings. Smart thermostats are programmable and customizable to any schedule, minimizing HVAC function when nobody’s home or everybody is asleep.

6. Motion-sensitive or timed (energy-efficient) lighting

Another relatively simple and affordable improvement is to install motion-sensitive light switches. Timed lighters are also an option. These two features prevent lights from being left on when not in use.

The US Energy Information Agency estimates that lighting homes and businesses account for 11% of total energy consumption. Reducing the amount that you consume “light” energy, and replacing incandescent lights with more efficient alternatives, is a smart move.

7. Repair or replace old HVAC systems

In most cases, providing copies of HVAC maintenance and proof the unit and ducts are in good shape should suffice. If however, your home’s age is part of your concern when it comes to “how I’ll sell my home,” an HVAC replacement may be a wise investment. 

If your home was built prior to 2000, and has an original HVAC system, speak to your real estate agent about whether a replacement might be a good idea. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, homeowners who replace their HVAC system before selling their home can expect to recoup about 85% of the cost

In a seller’s market, advertising a brand new HVAC system is great news for buyers, especially those who are already maxing out their budget in this high-priced market and won’t have money left over for major home improvements.

Making cost-effective energy-efficient upgrades is a wise move if you want your home to appeal to eco-conscious (and budget-conscious) home buyers. Now, all you have to do is schedule a consultation with Southern Exclusive Realty. Our agents and brokers know exactly how to use energy-efficiency upgrades to our clients’ advantage. Contact us to start marketing your home to it’s best advantage! 386-279-7244.