Do you know your Home Energy Score?

The simple answer to this question can help make any house a more comfortable and affordable place to live.

Shown in a simple 1-10 scale (10 being the most efficient), a Home Energy Report can be used to estimate a home’s energy use, the associated costs, and provide affordable suggestions to improve its efficiency.

How to read a Home Energy Report:

Cost. The costs listed in the Home Energy Report are estimates based on average use patterns in similar homes. Like a miles-per-gallon rating, actual usage and costs may differ from what the Report shows due to the behavior and choices of the occupants. 

Assessment date.  Exactly two years from the assessment date, is the date after which a new report will need to be pulled from the Green Building Registry prior to listing for sale. The new report is free and allows the system to update the report for current energy costs and carbon emissions factors. . 

Score expiration date. This the date after which a new on-site assessment is required. The Home Energy Score is valid for eight years after issue, provided that no changes to mechanical systems, energy efficiency or square footage in the home has occurred. 

Score with improvements. This is the Home Energy Score that this house could achieve if all of the practical energy improvements listed on the back of the Home Energy Report were installed. Working with a contractor or on your own, you could implement a select package of measures which achieves an even higher score.

Estimated energy savings with improvements. The amount of money you could save on energy costs each year. Please note, this estimate is based on the systems in the house and not behavior or energy use decisions of the occupants.

Estimated carbon reduction with improvements. The carbon reduction percentage is also an annual amount and is based on installing the practical energy improvements listed on the back of the Home Energy Report.

Practical energy improvements. The back of the report includes a list of recommended improvements which is customized to the data from the house. This list is limited to improvements with a simple payback of ten years or less. 

Sample Score card

Make the Invisible Visible: Show the Value of Home Energy Features

This information can also be used by appraisers and mortgage lenders for energy-related financing products—making your home more attractive and accessible to potential buyers. Buyers appreciate having as much information as possible when comparing homes, and the Home Energy Score is one tool they can use to make an informed decision. 

Be a Smart Consumer: Know Your Home’s Energy Use & Costs

Ask for a Home Energy Score with your home’s inspection to get everything you need to make an informed purchase. Before renting, ask the landlord to provide one as well. If you’re buying or refinancing your home, the Home Energy Score can help you qualify for a larger mortgage or more financing options. 

If you’ve already moved in, it’s not too late to be a smart consumer: get a Home Energy Score to discover affordable energy solutions that can improve your home’s energy performance and overall Score. Home Energy Score even provides guidance on smart home energy upgrades through unbiased energy modeling software.

How Do I Get a Home Energy Score?

Find a Home Energy Assessor and get scheduled for an assessment. Once the assessment is complete, find your score and report at the Portland Green Building Registry.