DENVER - Determining what value energy-efficiency enhancements add to a home's value might become easier, following the formation of a new partnership between state officials and the nation's largest professional association of appraisers.

The Colorado Energy Office has reached an agreement with the Appraisal Institute to jointly develop valuation studies that identify market-specific trends, the institute announced Tuesday.

The studies will help appraisers find better data in placing a value on a home and could help consumers decide which improvements to pursue as they seek to maximize the value of their homes.

"Understanding the market reaction to high-performing homes is a key component of the Colorado Energy Office's residential efforts," Peter Rusin, the energy office's residential program associate, said in a news release. "The agreement sets out a process that will allow the state to work with experts in the field to develop credible case studies, data sets and resources for residential appraisers."