Spray foam insulation, energy efficiency measures improve home value

As homeowners look to improve the chances that their houses will sell amid a tepid housing market, they are increasingly turning to energy efficiency upgrades like spray foam to improve their value, according to a published report.

The Poughkeepsie Journal reports that a home for sale in Staatsburg, New York, is drawing a lot of attention from potential buyers - and the public - because it is a net zero energy home. Ashley Katz of the U.S. Green Building Council told the news source that the house is "producing as much energy on an annual basis as one consumes on-site."

The house was recently put on the market and already a number of potential buyers have stepped forward and expressed interest in the green home.

To achieve the net zero distinction, the homebuilders designed the house with the latest in green technologies. Ultimately, according to analysts, it is important that the insulation in a home can help keep heating and cooling bills down. Spray foam insulation was used throughout the Staatsburg house. A solar panel system and energy-saving lights were also implemented to cut costs.