Last updated on March 16th, 2024 at 02:10 pm

If you’re in the market for a new home, you might want to consider looking for one that uses energy more efficiently than your current home.

In order to do this, you need to know how much energy your home currently uses. (If I could make a recommendation, check out the Energy Audit kit at http://www.energyaudits.net…shameless plug.) This kit will tell you how much energy you use currently.

Anyway, the kit also contains a “home buyer’s checklist” which outlines what you should look for in your next home (or apartment). But here’s a preview of sorts…

Simply put, when you walk through your new house, think of both winter and summer energy usage. Look for energy star labels or decals. Look at the furnace, the condition its in, the relative age, and service history. Does it look well maintained? Look at the air conditioner(s) as well. Are there multiple units? Do they look old? Do they work?

I like to assign some weight to my findings. In other words, if a furnace is new, energy star rated and a high efficiency unit, I give it 10 points (out of a possible 10). If not, I deduct from there. I do this for everything energy related in the house. Windows, doors, toilets, air conditioners, vents, fireplaces, basements, attics, hot water tanks, etc.

Now what you assign in terms of values to each doesn’t matter – as long as you keep it consistent from house to house. In other words, don’t write down a perfect 10 for something in one house (like a furnace) then give the next house with a subpar furnace a 10 as well just because you like the house more. Whatever constitutes a 10 in your book, keep it consistent.

Happy house shopping!