A Zero Energy Home is it worth it? The Answer is Yes

When considering a conventional home over a Zero Energy Home, why do home buyers buy the conventional home? There is plenty of evidence to support the fact that Zero Energy Homes in the long-term actually costs less to own, involve less health risks, and are better for the environment, yet that doesn’t seem to be enough of a good reason for the average home buyer?

The purchase of a home is usually based on attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, and the old mighty dollar. Buying a home is a large commitment and also an important one. The decision-making process should involve more logical thinking, instead it is usually decided on by emotions, something as simple as, “we fell in love with the home.” We lose all sight in the decision-making process whether the home is healthy, what is the noise level, what will be involved with future repairs and maintenance, how much will it cost to operate, are there any environmental concerns?

And, it is not just home buyers, it also communities, developers, even Real Estate Agents who share the misconception in regards to Zero Energy Homes vs Conventional.  In this article they talk about Risk Behavior and how the proponents of Zero Energy Homes need the tools to help clients change their perceptions and evaluate the difference in owning a Zero Energy Home vs Conventional.

“A decision is often thought of as occurring in an instant in time but a decision is not a flash. It’s more like a train that follows a track and is diverted one way or another by switches along the way. How do we steer the train along a certain route in order to increase the likelihood that a person  will opt for a Passive House? How do we reduce people’s tolerance for the risks and costs associated with conventional building?”

Buying a home is a complicated and emotional decision. It is not as simple as Zero Energy vs Conventional, but with the right information, the guidance of a qualified and educated agent, a change of behavior and an open mind, a home buyer can make a more informed decision, not just an emotional decision.