How do I promote the energy efficiency of my home when selling it?

Energy efficiency improvements are not as flashy as kitchen or bathroom renovations or a new coat of paint, which usually top the list of best renovations for home value improvement at time of sale. That being said, third-party energy rating or certification systems do help homes sell for a premium.

If you have completed an EnerGuide home evaluation be sure to inform your REALTOR® so that potential buyers can see your home’s EnerGuide rating and label and learn about the energy efficient features of your home, such as:

• Insulation levels
• Heating and cooling systems
• Windows and doors
• Water heating systems
• Appliances
• Lighting
• Ventilation
• Draftproofing

If you haven’t completed an EnerGuide home evaluation, consider having one done by a program-qualified energy advisor. The EnerGuide label can be an important selling point for prospective buyers as it lets them assess the home’s energy performance and see how it might affect their utility bills. Ensure that you have a post-upgrade energy evaluation to verify your upgraded EnerGuide rating and include this on the MLS listing.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.