Buying a house that is energy efficient is important to most of us these days. We are all much more aware of the impact we have on our environment and how important it is to minimize our environmental footprint. Energy efficiency can also have a significant impact for the better on the costs of owning a home. It reduces the amount of money that must be budgeted to cover those monthly utility bills. So, what do you need to know about buying an energy-efficient home? Working with an experienced realtor in Albuquerque can help guide you toward properties that meet these important standards.

Key features to look for when buying a house that’s energy efficient

If your goal is to buy an energy-efficient home, features you should look for include:

• Good insulation – An energy-efficient home will have well-insulated walls, floors, attic spaces, and crawlspaces. Sellers should be able to provide an R-value for the home’s insulation. The Department of Energy offers guidelines on appropriate R-values according to the region.
• Good windows – Drafty windows are huge energy wasters. They cause heat loss in cold weather and heat gain in the summer. Look for newer, double-pane windows when you are home shopping, preferably ones that have earned the Energy Star seal.
• Efficient appliances – Look for appliances that are Energy Star certified. This means they are more energy efficient than average appliances. Appliances that can carry that seal include heating and air conditioning systems, washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and water heaters.
• A solid, energy-efficient roof – You will, of course, want to be sure the roof of any home you are considering is in good shape. For maximum energy efficiency, look for one that uses Energy Star certified roofing materials. These reflect more of the sun’s rays away to reduce heat gain and reduce the amount of energy needed for summer cooling.
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures – Low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads conserve water. They can also add to the energy efficiency of your home. Reduced water flow when you turn on hot water faucets means less energy is used by your water heater.

Energy-efficiency claims: Verify for your peace of mind

Energy efficiency is a big selling point in today’s market, so home sellers are eager to hit the right “green” talking points when listing their homes. While most people are quite honest in their descriptions, buyers should always verify the seller’s energy-efficiency claims. As a realtor in Albuquerque, here are some good ways to double-check include:

• Review utility bills for the home – Ask to see utility costs from the past year, then contact the local utility company to find out how those costs compare to the average bills of other, similarly-sized homes in the area. An energy-efficient home should have a lower than average energy usage and costs.
• Request an energy audit – A home energy audit, done by a licensed professional, evaluates energy usage in the home to give you a very accurate idea of just how efficient it is overall.
• Ask about certifications – If the home you’re interested in is newly constructed, ask the seller whether it has LEED or Energy Star certification. Either certification shows that the builder designed and constructed the home for energy efficiency.

Taking these steps to ensure that you are buying an energy-efficient home may add a little time and expense to the home shopping process. However, if you are planning to live in that new home for a while, shopping carefully will pay off in the long run. You will benefit from a smaller environmental footprint and lower energy bills.

If you’re searching for a home in New Mexico, partnering with a knowledgeable realtor in Albuquerque can make the process smoother and more informed. With expert guidance, you can confidently find a home that meets your energy-saving goals. Let’s work together to discover the perfect home for you!