Research conducted in the US indicates people claim energy efficiency is a priority, but actually spend their money on aesthetics. The Shelton Group CEO Susan Shelton says “Most homebuyers expect to make improvements, but they want to spend their money on ‘sexy’ improvements like paint and new countertops,” said Shelton. “They do not want to upgrade the HVAC, add insulation or buy a new water heater”.
Not surprisingly, cost is the primary barrier – 44 percent of respondents say arent’ doing more to improve the energy efficiency of their homes because “it would be expensive” followed by “there are other renovations I want to do first”.
Couldn’t agree more with Shelton: “It seems we have work to do to convince homeowners that energy-efficient improvements are worth the investment”.