Back HomeBenefits of Buying an Energy-Efficient Home
More than a trend, energy-efficient home features can help improve your life in more ways than one. From lower utility bills to rebates, here are some of the advantages of buying an energy-efficient home in Texas.
WHAT MAKES A HOME ENERGY-EFFICIENT?
How can you make sure that a home is energy-efficient? The energy efficiency of a new home depends on the builder’s practices, specific design choices, construction quality, and appliance models and components used for the home. It’s important for buyers to do their research and inquire about any applicable energy efficiency certifications during the process of buying a house in Texas.
In the United States, certification programs like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or ENERGY STAR can help provide assurance that the home meets general standards for energy efficiency and sustainability. These certifications involve thorough inspections, testing, and compliance requirements to maintain high standards for energy efficiency.
- In 2022, Texas ranked 9th for LEED-certified square footage per capita in the U.S., according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The state also has the highest number of certified projects in the southern region of the U.S. with 174 LEED-certified projects.
- There are 299 companies that build ENERGY STAR-certified homes in Texas. As many as 564,265 homes throughout the state have received ENERGY STAR certification to date.
In College Station, the Energy Conservation department provides free on-site energy surveys for both residential and commercial properties to help residents evaluate the energy efficiency of a given property. The audit will also help you identify energy conservation measures depending on the location of the property and the energy consumption patterns of your household.
THE BENEFITS OF BUYING AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME
- Cost savings – Energy-efficient homes are designed to reduce energy consumption, which can potentially lower your utility bills. These homes typically have better insulation and energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems. The cost savings on your utility bills can add up over time and help you save a significant amount of money in the long run.
College Station’s Good Cents New Home Program encourages builders to construct energy-efficient homes with cost savings, quality, and comfort in mind. These homes are built using techniques and quality standards that surpass current International Energy Codes.
- Incentives and rebates – In cities like College Station, the local government offers various incentives and rebates to buyers who choose energy-efficient homes. These benefits can help cushion the upfront costs of buying or upgrading to energy-efficient home features.
For example, the Energy Back II Rebate Program offers rebates to homeowners who upgrade to energy-efficient models while the Residential LED Lighting Program credits $2 ( up to $20 maximum) to residential electricity accounts for every LED bulb purchase within a 12-month period.
- Enhanced comfort – Many Texas cities experience hot summers, making an energy-efficient home an excellent investment for homebuyers. Energy-efficient homes are more comfortable to live in because they are designed to maintain optimal indoor temperatures regardless of external weather conditions. These homes often have superior insulation, high-performance windows, and modern HVAC systems that regulate temperature and reduce heat loss or gain.
- Improved indoor air quality – Improved insulation and airtight construction techniques can help minimize dust, allergens, and other pollutants to maintain healthy levels of indoor air quality. Moreover, energy-efficient vents keep fresh air in circulation, reducing the build-up of contaminants inside your home. This makes energy-efficient homes suitable for buyers who frequently suffer from allergies and respiratory issues.
- Environmental impact – If you’re concerned about reducing your carbon footprint, living in an energy-efficient home will help minimize your impact on the environment. These homes help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by consuming less energy. If you’re concerned about excessive energy consumption and want to transition to a more sustainable lifestyle, living in an energy-efficient home is one step forward.
- Better resale value – Energy-efficient home design and components have become increasingly desirable among environmentally conscious homebuyers. Instead of buying a traditional home and spending more on energy-efficient upgrades, many buyers would prefer to buy a home that already has built-in energy-efficient features. Buying an energy-efficient home might make it easier for you to attract serious buyers if you decide to resell in the future.
To simplify the whole process of buying a house in Texas, contact Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Caliber Realty. As a full-service real estate brokerage firm, their professionals specialize in Texas real estate, including energy-efficient homes in College Station and the surrounding areas.
Feel free to contact Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Caliber Realty at 979.694.8844 or contact them here to schedule a consultation.
