Homebuyers are ever more attracted by eco-friendly and energy efficient home features, according to real estate agents across the country–and right here in the Wichita area. In fact, agents are noticing that home energy-efficiency upgrades are helping sell houses these days faster and at higher prices.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your home to provide a higher level of comfort, health, safety and energy savings for your family, keep in mind there are other incentives. Resale attractiveness and added home value are two more reasons you should consider energy-efficiency upgrades for your home. Here are nsome sought-after green home upgrades that add comfort, energy savings and value:

  • Energy Star appliances were ranked essential or desirable by 94 percent of homebuyers in 2013 study by the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders).
  • Energy efficient windows were highly rated by 89 percent.
  • Ceiling fans were important to 88 percent of the study’s homebuyers. Besides being relatively inexpensive to install, ceiling fans can lessen your need for A/C and even help the furnace work more efficiently by recirculating warm air down into the room.
  • Programmable thermostats are expected by many home buyers. They provide automatic energy savings (once initially programmed) and are relatively inexpensive to install.
  • Zoned heating and cooling systems allow you to heat or cool only the areas of the home that are occupied, saving energy and adding comfort. At least half of the buyers in the NAHB study were interested in this feature.
  • A new HVAC system will impress future homebuyers. They’ll see it as a definite plus that they won’t need to replace the system for many years. Up to 50 percent of a typical home’s energy use is for heating and cooling. Today’s energy-efficient systems can save you so much on energy costs that they’ll pay for themselves quickly.
  • Energy-efficient insulation and a well sealed home will get good marks from inspectors working with potential buyers. They (and you) can expect significantly lower energy bills if you add insulation and seal drafts.

Contact Comfort Systems for advice about energy efficient HVAC systems and upgrades.

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