Appraisers don't put much value on energy-efficient homes.

For every $1 you save on your annual fuel bill, your home's value will jump by $20 or more, according to a pair of studies that quantify the effect of energy-efficient home improvements on a home's value.

Unfortunately that doesn't necessarily mean a more energy-efficient home will fetch a higher price than a similar home without the improvements.

In a catch-22 for homeowners, appraisers say they don't calculate energy improvements because standards don't exist to accurately measure the increased value from energy-related upgrades. Standards don't exist, largely because the database of homeowners with energy-efficient home improvements is too small to consider during a typical home appraisal.

And homeowners aren't compelled to help …