Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades and the Benefits of Working with a Green-Certified Broker
October 28, 2025
I completed a Green certification course offered to real estate professionals through the National Association of Realtors. The specialized training focused on sustainability and energy efficiency in real estate.
As a home buyer advocate, my goal is to provide buyer clients with information that potentially saves money while they create an energy efficient home.
What is an energy efficient home?
Any home can be a green home. A high-performance, efficient home isn’t reserved for only new construction. Simple changes like using energy efficient light bulbs, heat pumps and efficient appliances can make a big difference in utility bills.
The key to energy efficiency is how a homeowner uses their home.
If the thermostat is 65 degrees when it’s 90 degrees outside, it’s not likely there will be savings in the electric bill. If however, you use a heat pump for heating and cooling your home, while maintaining your thermostat between 68 and 72 degrees, you could see a significant improvement in your utility bill.
How do I create an energy-efficient home?
The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy created the Energy Star program to help home owners save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.
Through the Energy Star program, home owners can receive energy tax credits for installing energy efficient appliances, solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, attic insulation, windows and a smart thermostat.
By purchasing the Energy Star products, home owners can take advantage of the energy efficient tax credits offered by the U.S. government.
Who qualifies for tax credits, rebates or other incentives?
All home owners can take advantage of the credits and incentives for using energy efficient products. To learn what incentives and credits are available where you live, check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
How do I obtain a tax credit for installing energy?
The IRS offers the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit to home owners in the United States who live in an existing home (not new construction) who improve or add onto the home.
In order to claim the tax credit, you’ll need to complete the Residential Energy Credits IRS Form 5695
Here are instructions from the IRS on how to apply.
Why decide to improve the energy efficiency in your home?
It could save you money
According to Consumer Reports and the Department of Energy,
You could save $1000 a year by making a few simple changes in your home. The market value of your home could be better with energy efficient features. Buying a home is an expensive venture and home buyers look to save money wherever they can.
It could help the environment
More people are searching for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. The World Wildlife Fund offers suggestions including reducing energy consumption.
It could improve the health and comfort of your home
Energy efficient HVAC systems maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Installing double-pane windows insulates the heat and sound in a home.
You could save money with incentives and rebates
Check this link to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency to learn what incentives are available where you live.
In addition, the links below provide information on rebates and tax credits or reductions and incentives for upgrading insulation, electrical, heat pumps, washer & dryers, HVAC, water heaters and windows.
If you live in Washington D.C., Virginia or Maryland and want to discuss green energy options, we are always here to help.
https://www.energystar.gov/homesavings
https://www.homebuyerbrokerage.com/news/federal-tax-benefits-for-energy-efficient-appliances
https://www.psc.state.md.us/electricity/empower-maryland/
https://energy.maryland.gov/residential/Pages/incentives/default.aspx
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit
