In recent years, energy efficiency has repeatedly ranked among the top features potential home buyers say are important to them. And according to a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders, that hasn’t changed. In fact, four of the top 10 features builders said they were most likely to include in new homes they build this year were focused on energy efficiency. “Today’s new homes include features that will help homeowners reduce energy consumption and enhance the conveniences of modern living,” Ed Brady, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, said. “Our builders are telling us that energy efficiency continues to be a top demand from consumers.” Among the energy-efficient features most likely to be found in new homes built this year, low-E windows, Energy Star-rated appliances and windows, and programmable thermostats were all in the top 10. These features are so popular, buyers say they’d be willing to pay more in order to have them. In fact, buyers said they’d pay nearly $11,000 more for a house that could save them $1,000 a year on utilities. More here.
