Is Your Home Energy Smart?
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