Energy-Efficient Trends Buyers Are Looking For in a New Home

Energy efficiency is trending. More and more home buyers are seeking energy efficiency in their new home and require energy-efficient elements when they see a potential new home. It’s simple – buyers are seeking out modern systems that can save them money, energy, and shrink their carbon footprint.

Because of this, designers of remodels and new builds are focusing more and more on energy efficiency and finding new ways to include EE products and details into homes at all levels of living (from simple to luxury).

In an article on Inman.com, Tadashi Shiga, Executive Director of the Land Division with Sotheby’s International Realty, explains that buyers “want a premium indoor environment that accommodates things like enhanced comfort, indoor health and air quality, and the convenience of automation. We also often see clients buying with their values, with the desire for a lower carbon footprint top among the list.”[1]

While many cared primarily on the flashiness of their home (hello, curb appeal!) previously, they are now seeking efficiency, automation, and ways to lessen their impact on the environment. This trend is picking up speed and is here to stay for quite some time.

So what are some of the trending energy efficiency features your buyers are looking for?

Air Quality
Like Shiga notes above, EFI has also seen the EE trend rising and agree that enhanced comfort and indoor air quality are high on the list of requirements in new homes or remodels. A properly sealed and insulated house will help prevent heat and air conditioning from escaping as well as outside air sneaking in but a problem that can arise in a tightly sealed house is with air quality. A well-working fan in rooms that easily become humid (such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens) can make a world of difference with air quality in an energy-efficient home. We’ve seen the rise of popularity and sales in the Panasonic WhisperGreen fan line that we offer as well as a variety of insulation products to help keep homes sealed and comfortable. 

LED Lighting
It may seem like an extremely minor thing but LEDs is the most energy-efficient form of lighting and is open of the most popular (and accessible) ways to save energy and money. They last up to 25 times longer than a standard bulb – that means a single LED can last up to 13 years! Not to mention, just 1 ENERGY STAR certified LED bulb prevents up to 785 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime. A home equipped with all LED features and lighting means big savings for the home owner.

EV Chargers
Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular as drivers seek energy-efficient methods to get around. An electric car has minimal carbon emissions but still requires some form of energy to rev its engine! Many home buyers are looking for electric vehicle chargers in their new home to make charging their car less of a hassle and more of a convenience.

Smart Home Technology
While smart home tech doesn’t necessarily equal energy-efficiency at first glance, the products that work together seamlessly when connected help home owners save energy as they can streamline nearly their entire home’s systems. Imagine being able to manage your heat and/or air conditioning, lighting, and security all from your phone? Not to mention having access on your phone from anywhere at any time? The convenience and efficiency of having an automated smart home at your fingertips is nearly a no-budge requirement with home buyers these days. If your new build or remodel doesn’t allow for smart devices, you’ve got a big box to be left unchecked.

[1] “5 trending energy-efficient features your buyers are looking for” via https://www.inman.com/2020/07/06/5-trending-energy-efficient-features-your-buyers-are-looking-for/