Riches In The Niches - Energy Efficiency?

Question

So I was wondering if anyone has ever flipped and aimed for energy efficiency as a primary selling point?

I was researching geothermal heating/cooling a few months ago and would love it in my primary residence one day. It sparked the idea of flipping on the basis of energy efficiency.

Has anyone ever taken geothermal, solar, etc. forms of energy into a flip and done well with it? Unfortunately I've seen very wide, big numbers for geothermal (between $20,000-50,000). It would be incredible to have a home where your electric bill looked like a water bill. That would justify a much more expensive home in my opinion.

Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks!

Justin Fox · Answer

We put foam insulation in the attic of the rent house we built earlier this year.  We did this because the base water bill in that area is $97/month.  You know how government likes to take money for a project, never finish a project yet keep taking.   Anyway, their electric bill in July didn't break $100 dollars.  That's something in SE Texas!

Seth Borman · Answer

I've talked to a couple people doing stuff like this over the years but most of them weren't making extra money for it. They had some ideological goals and that suited them.

I know we rent out a house in which we replaced an old boiler and air conditioner and cut energy use by about half and the biggest results we've got to show for it are much lower maintenance bills from the new equipment and stable renters that turn over infrequently.