Home Energy Score Calculator

The Home Energy Score is a rating system developed by the U.S. Department of Energy that grades a home's energy efficiency on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is the most efficient. It works like a miles-per-gallon (MPG) rating for vehicles — giving homeowners, buyers, and renters a simple, standardized way to compare the energy performance of different homes.

The score is based on a home's physical characteristics — including its size, age, insulation, windows, heating and cooling systems, and water heater — rather than actual utility bills. A standardized model estimates annual energy use under typical conditions, then benchmarks that figure against similar homes. This makes scores comparable across different households regardless of occupant behavior.

The DOE Home Energy Score (1–10 scale) is a simpler, lower-cost assessment typically completed in one visit. The HERS® Index (Residential Energy Services Network) uses a more detailed rating process and a different scale — a HERS score of 100 represents a standard new home, and lower scores indicate better efficiency. Both are useful tools, but HERS ratings require a certified rater and more detailed data collection.

A score of 6 or higher is generally considered above average, while scores of 8–10 indicate a highly efficient home. The national median tends to fall around 5. A score of 1–3 suggests significant opportunities for improvement through upgrades like better insulation, air sealing, or a more efficient heating and cooling system.

Common improvements include adding attic and wall insulation, sealing air leaks around windows and doors, upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace or heat pump, installing double- or triple-pane windows, and switching to a heat pump water heater or tankless water heater. Adding solar panels can also offset your home's overall energy consumption and improve your score.

Research shows that homes with higher energy scores often sell faster and at a premium compared to less efficient homes. Buyers increasingly factor in expected utility costs when evaluating properties, and some lenders offer energy-efficient mortgages (EEMs) with better terms for high-scoring homes. Disclosing a strong score can be a valuable marketing advantage.

No — this calculator provides an educational estimate based on your home's characteristics, similar in concept to the DOE's scoring methodology. The official Home Energy Score requires an on-site assessment by a DOE-qualified Assessor who inspects your home in person. Visit the DOE's Better Buildings Solution Center for information on finding a certified Assessor near you.

Climate has a major impact on a home's energy demands. Homes in very cold climates require much more heating energy, while homes in hot, humid regions use more cooling energy. The DOE's scoring model accounts for climate by normalizing energy use to local weather conditions, so scores remain comparable across different regions of the country.