The key to mainstreaming green homes is to make sure that consumers understand the value of green upgrades — how cost-effective energy efficiency can be in the long run. Consumers want homes that are environmentally friendly and home values should reflect the increased savings.

Better Homes and Gardens

Recent poll results of 2,342 people who plan to purchase or do a major home improvement in 2010 show (numbers have been rounded):

• 2% of consumers are planning to have high-efficiency heating and cooling in their next home
• 3% are planning to have high-efficiency appliances
• 3% will have geo-thermal heat
• 5% said energy-efficient heating and cooling will be more important to them
• 6% said Energy Star appliances will be more important

Appraising Green

Appraisals need to better reflect the value added to energy efficient green upgrades. Legislation is pending which will require the consideration of any renewable energy sources, or energy-efficiency or energy-conserving improvements. Appraisers will tell you they have been considering green improvements for 15 years, typically, double paned windows, insulation and solar hot water heaters. The value normally attributed is  the installation cost. Continue reading this post