When a client works to achieve or sustain homeownership or manage a secure rental situation, it is essential to identify “secondary” housing costs such as heating and cooling, water heating, cooking and so on. Each element has a cost, be it financial, environmental or health-related. Housing counselors help clients understand the impacts of different home elements or choices, so why not look at the trade-offs associated with various energy scenarios, too?

Marla and Camila are looking for a new house to raise their five ferrets and are stuck between two great options in the same neighborhood: one on Locust Street and the other on Lilac Lane. Both are about 1,200 square feet, with two bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. The homes are about the same age and well-maintained. One difference is cost. The house on Locust Street costs $315,000, while the house on Lilac Lane costs $310,000. Their housing counselor and Navigator, Tomas, points out that the last owners of Locust Street installed solar panels. As a result, monthly electricity bills fell from about $100 to an average of $30. In the summer, the utility sometimes provides billing credits on Marla and Camilla’s future electric bills for excess power sent to the grid. Marla and Camila aren’t planning on moving again anytime soon, but they realize they could make back the extra $5,000 purchase price in six years – or sooner, with an average of $840 in savings annually. They decided to purchase the home on Locust Street.