Our government has finally stepped in and now provides Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) as part of a federal program to help new home buyers finance energy efficiency upgrades and purchase new energy efficient homes. These mortgages help you take a higher loan amount to purchase a new home that meets certain environmental standards. Energy efficient homes are cheaper to operate and maintain helping to offset the costs over the long run.

EEMs for EXISTING HOMES

Energy Efficient Mortgages are available for existing homes as well. You'll need a Home Energy Rating System Report (HERS). These reports rate your home on an index scale and suggest improvements and display your costs. According to Energy Star, a HERS certification showing that a home is energy efficient can increase its value by around 5 percent.

THE FACTS

According to Energy Star, a HERS certification showing that a home is energy efficient can increase its value by around 5 percent.