Take Charge of the Conversation on Home Energy Efficiency

Homeowners are becoming increasingly conscious about home energy efficiency, but who will champion this awareness in the US? In Europe, home energy performance is a valued item of home comparison. It may even be the deciding factor between two homes that meet buyer needs.

With heightened competition in the US housing market, some are already bringing insulation into the conversation. But in come cases they’re suggesting to homebuyers it’s not a deal-breaker if insulation isn’t up to snuff.

Who will reverse this thinking? Imagine if energy assessment becomes part of US home inspections. With energy codes changing across the US, it probably won’t be long before blower door test results and insulation values are a part of real estate listings.

Consumers are focusing more on energy efficiency these days — particularly for new builds. Awareness has increased thanks to advertisements from local insulation contractors focused on attic insulation. But consumers are skeptical whether they’re getting what they need without overspending. And now with energy consultants entering the market as a separate entity, there’s just one more factor confusing them.

Some manufacturers are already becoming a part of this conversation and advertising on local real estate web sites — a touch point for homebuyers. This trend is surfacing in areas of US where energy awareness is more prominent, but when will it become a requirement? And who will be the first to help homeowners understand the real value? Now is the time to step out as a leader to educate a mass audience on home energy efficiency.

Insulation manufacturers, contractors, builders, remodelers, realtors, home sellers, homebuyers and the growing number of energy efficiency consultants all have a stake in this game.

Who will take the reigns and connect the dots for US consumers?