Thank goodness oil prices pulled back this week, falling as much as $9 a barrel over two days. Consumers needed a break, but that doesn't mean concern about energy prices is going away.

Prices are still double what they were last year, and that means homebuyers are not only looking at their commute times, they're also looking closely at energy efficiency in the homes they buy.

And that's causing a change of behavior in builders. Centex has just announced it will install an energy monitor in every home it builds in the future as part of an energy package that also includes stronger attic insulation, high efficiency HVAC systems, programmable thermostats, low-emission windows, and consumer tips, among other features.

And speaking of behavior, consumers can do more than stop driving as much. They can also manage their own use of energy and reduce consumption by as much as four to 15 percent, says a National Association of Home Builders study. They can buy homes from Entergy Star rated builders, or update with Energy Star-rated appliances. They can live with less air-conditioning and heat, and turn off the lights when they leave the room.

But what about buyers looking at existing homes? One of the questions that a buyer may ask a seller to provide copies of their utility bills, but that may only reflect the family's habits and the cost of their service provider.

A better way to determine the energy efficiency of a home is to conduct a simple inspection of the home they are considering buying.

"There are simple observations they can make without the need for a professional," suggests Jim Steffes, vice president and general manager of Direct Energy.

To spot energy hogs, he suggests, start with the age and condition of the furnace, air conditioner and appliances, as well as the type and orientation of windows.

"An inefficient home can lead to $20 of wasted money due to leakage for every $100 spent on heating and cooling," says Steffes.

If a buyer or seller wants professional advice, they can turn to Home Energy Rated Services (HERS.) Certified technicians can be found online at Resnet.us. They can be hired to check for various issues such as adequate insulation or weather-stripping, two of the leading causes of energy waste, says Steffes.

These are also good solutions for Realtors to tell their clients about.