Home Energy Audit Calculator — Efficiency Score
Efficiency Score
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Understanding Home Energy Efficiency
A home energy audit evaluates how efficiently your home uses energy. The five key areas are insulation, windows, HVAC system, lighting, and air sealing. Each contributes to overall energy consumption and comfort.
The biggest savings typically come from upgrading insulation (saves 15-25% on heating/cooling), sealing air leaks (saves 10-20%), upgrading HVAC (saves 20-40%), replacing single-pane windows (saves 10-15%), and switching to LED lighting (saves 75% on lighting costs).
A professional energy audit costs $200-600 and may include blower door tests, infrared thermography, and detailed recommendations. Many utilities offer free or discounted audits. This calculator provides a quick self-assessment to identify your biggest improvement opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best energy improvement for the money?
Air sealing (caulking, weatherstripping) offers the best ROI, often paying for itself in the first heating season. LED lighting is the next best, with bulbs paying for themselves in months.
What R-value insulation do I need?
The recommended R-value depends on your climate zone. Most US homes need R-38 to R-60 in the attic. Walls should be R-13 to R-21. Check the DOE recommendations for your ZIP code.
How much can I save with energy upgrades?
A comprehensive energy retrofit can save 20-40% on heating and cooling costs. Individual improvements vary: insulation (15-25%), air sealing (10-20%), HVAC upgrade (20-40%), LED lighting (75% of lighting costs).