Walk through your home and circle the descriptions below that best fit your house. Then calculate your home’s energy-efficiency rating.
Attic Insulation
Test: Use a ruler to measure how much insulation you have in the attic area.
- 6 inches or less (2 pts.)
- 7 to 11 inches (4 pts.)
- 12 inches or more (6 pts.)
Tip: Improving your home’s insulation is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to reduce energy usage. If you have less than 12 inches, you probably need more.
Furnace Filters
Test: How often were your furnace filters cleaned or changed in the last year?
- Not at all (2 pts.) 1-3 times (4 pts.)
- 4 or more times (6 pts.)
Tip: Make sure your furnace is operating at maximum efficiency by cleaning or replacing your furnace filters frequently. Be sure to follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
Thermostat
Test: Is the temperature setting on your thermostat above or below the following levels in the winter?
- 74° F or higher (2 pts.)
- 71°– 73° F (4 pts.)
- 70° F or lower (6 pts.)
Tip: A programmable thermostat can help you reduce your heating and cooling bills by as much as 10 percent a year.
Weatherstripping
Test: Open your front or back door and check the condition of the weatherstripping between the door and the door frame.
- None (2 pts.)
- Worn out (4 pts.)
- Good condition (6 pts.)
Tip: Sealing air leaks in your home can reduce your home’s energy usage by 10 percent or more.
To calculate your home’s Energy-Efficiency Rating (EER): 1. Add up your total points. 2. Divide your total points by the number of questions you answered. Total/Questions Answered = EER
Energy Efficiency Rating Scale:
6.0 – 5.1 points = Very energy efficient
5.0 – 4.5 points = Energy efficient
4.4 – 3.8 points = Getting close
3.7 – 3.0 points = Needs a few improvements<
2.9 – 2.0 points = Needs major improvements
My Home’s Energy Efficiency Rating is:___________________________.
