“Yes!” says this article from The Washington Post.
According to the article, in a massive study that separated out other factors that might affect borrowers, researchers found that mortgages on homes with Energy Star certifications were, on average, 32 percent less likely to default than were loans on homes with no energy-efficiency improvements.
The researchers believe that the difference was mostly because of the cost savings. Saving 15 percent or higher on utility bills with Energy Star can make a big difference when times get tight. A penny saved is a penny earned!
However, we also think that homeowners and homebuyers who are conscientious enough to make energy efficient upgrades or invest in a home with energy star certifications are likely to take this same conscientiousness to other parts of their lives – including making sure they can pay their mortgages.
What do you think?