Calculating the Return on Investment for Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades

Energy-efficient home upgrades not only reduce energy consumption but can also significantly enhance a home's value. Let’s examine how to calculate the return on investment (ROI) of these upgrades.

What is ROI?

Return on investment (ROI) is a key metric used to evaluate the profitability of an investment. For home upgrades, ROI is calculated by comparing the money saved on energy bills and the potential increase in home value against the initial cost of the upgrade.¹ The formula is straightforward:

ROI = Net Savings + Increase in Home Value − Initial Cost divided by Initial Cost, times 100.

For example, let’s say you spend $10,000 on energy-efficient windows. After the upgrade, you save $300 a year, adding $2,000 to your home’s value. The ROI calculation would be:

($300 x 10 years) + $2,000 (minus $10,000 for the initial investment) divided by $10,000. Multiply the result by 100 for a percentage. This means you would recoup 20% of your initial investment over ten years and enjoy a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.

That’s the standard equation for calculating ROI on energy-efficient home upgrades. Let’s discuss each of the inputs in more detail.

How to Calculate ROI for Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades

The equation above is the standard equation for calculating ROI on energy-efficient home upgrades. Let’s discuss each of the inputs in more detail.

Step 1: Identify Potential Upgrades

The first step in calculating ROI is identifying which energy-efficient upgrades you might consider. Common options include:

• Insulation: Upgrading attic, wall, or basement insulation.
• Windows: Installing energy-efficient windows to reduce heat loss.
• Heating and Cooling Systems: Replacing old HVAC systems with energy-efficient models.
• Solar Panels: Solar panels are installed to generate renewable energy.
• Smart Thermostats: Upgrading to programmable or smart thermostats to optimize heating and cooling.
• Energy-Efficient Appliances: Replacing old appliances with ENERGY STAR-rated models.

Each of these upgrades offers different levels of savings and impacts your home's value differently, making it crucial to assess them individually.

Step 2: Estimate the Initial Cost

Next, determine the initial cost of each upgrade. This includes the price of materials and labor as well as any additional expenses such as permits or inspections.

Get accurate quotes from multiple contractors to ensure a reliable estimate. For more significant investments, consider whether you’ll pay upfront or finance the installation, as this will affect your overall cost and ROI calculation.

Step 3: Calculate Energy Savings

The primary financial benefit of energy-efficient upgrades is reducing your energy bills. To estimate your savings:

• Review Your Current Bills: Analyze your current energy consumption by reviewing past bills.
• Estimate Post-Upgrade Consumption: Use tools like energy calculators or consult with professionals to estimate how much energy the upgrade will save.
• Calculate Annual Savings: Multiply the estimated energy savings by the current cost per kilowatt-hour.

For example, if replacing old windows reduces your energy consumption by 15% and you currently spend $2,000 annually on heating and cooling, your annual savings would be $300.

Step 4: Consider the Increase in Home Value

Energy-efficient upgrades often increase the value of your home. To estimate this:

• Research Local Market Trends: Look for data on how similar upgrades have affected home prices in your area.
• Consult a Real Estate Agent: An experienced agent can provide insights into how much value the upgrade will likely add.
• Use Online Tools: Some websites offer After Renovation Value (ARV) calculators that estimate the increase in home value based on the specific upgrades you’re considering.²

While this aspect can be harder to quantify than energy savings, it’s important to the overall return on investment calculation.

Step 5: Calculate ROI

With the initial costs, energy savings, and potential home value increase, you can now calculate the ROI. Plug these figures into the ROI formula mentioned earlier to see the percentage return on your investment.

Calculating the ROI for energy-efficient upgrades is the key to making informed decisions about your home. By examining the initial costs, energy savings, and potential increase in home value, you can determine which upgrades offer the best return on investment.

1. https://www.saveenergynb.ca/en/education-and-tips/energy-efficiency-articles/how-to-calculate-roi-payback-for-your-energy-efficiency-projects/
2. https://www.renofi.com/learn/after-renovation-value-calculator/

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.