What is Home Energy Efficiency Score?
A home energy efficiency scorecard evaluates your property across insulation, HVAC system, glazing, lighting, and renewable energy adoption.
The Formula
Score = (Points Earned ÷ Maximum Points) × 100
Worked Example
A home: insulation 7/10, HVAC 6/10, glazing 8/10, lighting 9/10, renewables 3/10.
- Total = 7 + 6 + 8 + 9 + 3 = 33
- Maximum = 50
- Score = (33 ÷ 50) × 100 = 66%
📌 Efficiency score is 66%, good windows and lighting but renewable energy and HVAC upgrades would improve the rating significantly.
Why This Matters
Property value
Energy-efficient homes sell for 3-5% more according to Zillow and DOE research. A low HERS Index score (under 60) signals a high-performance home to buyers.
Running costs
Improving from HERS 130 to HERS 60 can reduce energy bills by $1,000-2,000 annually. Well-insulated homes with modern HVAC cost 40-60% less to heat and cool.
Federal incentives
The IRA provides up to $3,200/year in 25C tax credits for efficiency upgrades including insulation, windows, doors, and HVAC systems. The 30% ITC covers heat pumps and solar.
Common Mistakes
❌ Starting with renewables
Insulate first, then add renewables. Solar panels on a poorly insulated home waste 20-30% of potential savings because you are overcooling/overheating leaky spaces.
❌ Ignoring air sealing
The cheapest efficiency improvement at $200-800 can save $100-300+ annually. Start here before expensive upgrades, seal around windows, doors, outlets, and ductwork.
❌ Not getting a professional assessment
DIY assessments miss hidden issues. A professional home energy audit costs $200-500 and identifies the best investments. Many utilities offer free or subsidized audits.
Industry Benchmarks
| Category | Good | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|
| HERS Index | Below 60 (high performance) | 60-100 (standard) | Above 130 (inefficient) |
| Annual Energy Cost | Below $1,500 | $1,500-2,800 | Above $3,500 |
| Carbon Emissions | Below 4 tonnes/yr | 4-8 tonnes | Above 10 tonnes |
Source: DOE Home Energy Score & EIA RECS 2026
Benchmark data sourced from DOE Home Energy Score & EIA RECS 2026.