Home Energy Solutions
Report Card User Manual
Home Energy Solutions Report Card
The Home Energy Solutions Report Cardutilizes information concerning home size, number of residents, and fuel usage to compute a score ranging from 1 – 10 that describes the energy efficiency of the home. The Report Card incorporates the Environmental Protection Agency’s Home Energy Yardstick (HEY) tool to provide a normalized rating of the home based on annual energy consumption. The HEY score provides homeowners with a rating on a scale of 1 (worse) to 10 (best). The Report Card also prompts the contractor to enter information resulting from a Home Energy Solutions (HES) visit. The resulting Report Card reveals to participants how much more efficienttheir home operates after the HES visit. Additionally, recommendations to further improve the home’s efficiency and lower the annual operating costs may be added. Note: Macros must be enabled for this spreadsheet to work.
Figure 1 - Screenshot of Appendix Page
Worksheet 1 – HES Summary
The HES Summary immediately follows the cover page. This page allows the contractor to enter any findings, recommendations, and next steps for the homeowner. This summarysheet should briefly review observations about the home and measures that can be taken to improve energy efficiency.
Worksheet 2 – InitialInputs
The Initial Inputs page, Worksheet 2, prompts the contractor to enter information that will be used throughout the workbook for various energy calculations (Figure 2). All fields highlighted in green are input fields that can be modified; fields highlighted in pink are help fields; fields highlighted in gray are output fields; all other cells are locked to protect formulas.
The following information is entered into the input page:
- The city that the homeowner resides in
- Thesize of the home (conditioned square feet)
- The number of occupants residing in the home
- The date the workbook was completed on
- Homeowner’s fuel costs for each fuel type
- Homeowner’s annual consumption of each fuel type
Figure 2 - Screenshot of Initial Inputs Page
Figure 3 –Second Screenshot of Initial Inputs Page
Figure 3 shows the remainder of the Initial Inputs Page. Values for heating and cooling degree days, the heating set point (in degrees Fahrenheit), and expected escalation and discount rates are entered here. Heating degree days and cooling degree days are based on 65ºF baseline temperature. The escalation rate is the percentage at which the annual fuel price is expected to change and is used to calculate return on investment payments. The discount rate is used to discount future payments and is also used for the return on investment payments. If no future discounting is desired, this rate can be set to 0 percent.
Lastly, the Home Energy Yardstick (HEY) score is displayedalong with the annual energy costs for the homeowner. The HEY score is a score from 1-10 that essentially shows how energy efficient a home is. A score of 1 means the home is not very efficient, while a score of 10 shows great efficiency.
Worksheet 3 – HESReport
Worksheet 3 of the tool, the HES Report,lists the homeowner’s name and the date and prompts the contractor to enter the following information resulting in anew HEY score and estimated energy usage due to HESmeasures:
- The type of fuel used to heat the home. This will updatethe annual savings.
- For the blower door test: the initial and final CFM (cubic feet per minute at 50 Pascals) must be measured and entered. Based on those entries, a linear rating is assigned that varies from 1-10 with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the best. For thisspreadsheet, 2 CFM per sq. ft. providesa low rating of 1 while 0.25 CFM per sq. ft. results ina high rating of 10. The ratings in between vary linearly.
- For the ducts test: the initial and final CFM (cubic feet per minute at 25 Pascals) are again recorded and then assigned a rating from 1-10. For this spreadsheet, 0.25 CFM per sq. ft. results ina low rating of 1 while 0 CFM per sq. ft. results ina high rating of 10, meaning the home is very energy efficient. The ratings in between vary linearly.
- For the water test: the initial and final GPM (gallons per minute) are enteredand then assigneda rating of 1 (low) to 10 (very efficient). For example, 6 GPM receives a low rating of 1 while 1.5 GPM results ina very efficient rating of 10.
- For lighting: The number of CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) in the home prior to the HES service (Initial CFLs) is enteredas is the number of new CFLs that were installed during the HES service (CFLs Installed). The rating following the Initial CFLsfield is simply the number of CFLsbefore the HES inspection divided by the total number of sockets in the home multiplied by 10. The rating after the CFLsInstalled field is the total number of CFLs now in the home divided by the total number of sockets in the home multiplied by 10. Based on this information, savings iscalculated.
Figure 4 - Screenshot of HES Report
At the bottom of Worksheet 3, the initial Home Energy Yardstick score and annual costs arelisted along with they new Home Energy Yardstick score and costs as a result of the HES measures that were performed on the home.
Worksheet 4 – RecommendationsWorksheet
The Recommendations Worksheet breaks down the various components of the home and establishes a rating for each component based on the R value of the insulation and the age of certain appliances. The main purpose for the Recommendations sheet is to provide the homeowner with suggested measures to increase the energy efficiency of the home. A thorough review of specific recommendations should be provided with relevant options for upgrades.
Ratings for insulation are to be entered are as follows:
- Wall Insulation: Rating is 1 – 10 for R0 – R21 insulation. (R0 = 1, R21 = 10)
- Ceiling Insulation: Rating is 1 – 10 for R0 – R60 insulation (R0=1, R60 = 10)
- Floor Insulation: Rating is 1 – 10 for R0 – R30 insulation (R0 = 1, R30 = 10)
Figure 6 - Screenshot of Insulation Recommendations
Similarly, ratings for appliances and HVAC system are to be entered (Figure 7 and Figure 8). A rating is assigned depending on the age of the system. Earlier models havehigher ratingsand later models have lower ratings
- Washer, Refrigerator, Freezer, Dehumidifier – Rating is 1 – 10 for 20 – 1 years old (1 year old = rating of 10)
- Heating/Cooling – Rating is 1 – 10 for 50 – 1 years old (1 year old = rating of 10)
The heating, cooling and water equipment are rated on a linear scale based on age. For heating equipment, the rating is based on a life of 50 years (i.e. 50 years or older results in a rating of 1); cooling equipment is based on a life of 50 years; and water heating is based on a life of 20 years.
- Water – Rating is 1 – 1- for 20 – 1 years old (20 years old = rating of 1)
There is additional space for ratings and recommendations on other items that were inspected. Generally, newer models produce higher ratings and higher energy efficiency than older models.
Figure 7 - Screenshot of ApplianceRecommendations
Figure 8 - Screenshot of Other Recommendations
Worksheet 5 – EnergySaving Measures
TheEnergy Saving Measures (ESMs)Worksheetprovides cost and estimated energy savings details on proposed energy efficient upgrades. Here, the contractor enters all existing measures in the home, the current condition of each, the quantity of each measure present, and the annual operating cost of each (see required inputs pages 10 thru 15 of this manual). The current condition of each measure varies depending on the measure.
Figure 8 is an example of the left half of the ESMs Worksheet. The existing measures and fuel type are listed followed by the existing condition of each measure and the current annual operating cost. Note: All green cells allow data to be entered into them. All other cells are locked.
Figure 8 - Screenshot of Existing Condition Measures
The followingtable liststhe more common measures and what upgrading each measure would entail. For a more detailed list of the required inputs for each measure, see the next few pages.
Existing Measure / Fuel/System / DescriptionAppliances
Washer / Any / Replacement of old washer with new Energy Star (or better)
Refrigerator / 1 - Electric / Replacement of old refrigerator with a more efficient model
Freezer / 1 - Electric / Replacement of old freezer with a more efficient model
Dehumidifier / 1 - Electric / Replacement of old dehumidifier with new Energy Star (or better)
Window AC / 1 - Electric / Replacement of old window air conditioner with a newer, more efficient model
Shell
Wall Insulation / Any / For insulation upgrades in above grade exterior walls
Ceiling Insulation / Any / For insulation upgrades in ceilings
Floor over Basement Insulation / Any / For insulation upgrades in floors abovelow grade basements
Open Floor Insulation / Any / For insulation upgrades in open floors, crawlspace floors, or cantilever floors
Window Replacement / Any / Replacement of old windows with more efficient windows
Weatherizing
Air Sealing (CFM 50 ) / Any / Measured (CFM50) air sealing reductions
Duct Sealing (CFM 25) / Any / Measured (CFM25) duct sealing reductions (to the outside)
HVAC
Heating System (fossil) / Fossil fuel / Replacement of older fossil fuel furnace or boiler with more efficient unit
Heating Heat Pump Upgrade / 1 - Electric / Electric resistance to heat pump upgrade
Ductless Upgrade / 1 - Electric / Electric resistance to ductless heat pump upgrade
Central Cooling Upgrade / 1 - Electric / Replacement of less efficient central air with more efficient central air
Fossil to Geo / Any / Fossil fuel to geothermal heating system conversion (no cooling, water)
Electric to Geo / Any / Electric resistance or air source heat pump to geothermal conversion (no cooling or water)
Water
Water Heating Upgrade / Any / Replacement of less efficient water heater with more efficient water heater (same fuel)
Solar Thermal / Any / Solar thermal water heater to supplement existing water heating system (any fuel)
Electric to fossil fuel water / Any / Conversion of electric water heating to fossil fuel water heating
PV
PV / 1 - Electric / PV system add-on
Lights
Lights 1 / 1 - Electric / Upgrade of less efficient lights to more efficient lighting based on average residential usage
Lights 2 / 1 - Electric / Upgrade of less efficient lights to more efficient lighting based on average residential usage
Lights 3 / 1 - Electric / Upgrade of less efficient lights to more efficient lighting based on average residential usage
Lights 4 / 1 - Electric / Upgrade of less efficient lights to more efficient lighting based on average residential usage
Required Inputs for the Energy Saving Measures (ESMs) page:
1A: Washer
Fuel/System:Select the primary type of fuel that is used to heat the water in the home.
Current: Estimated number of laundry loads done in the home per week.
Quantity: Number of loads that use hot water.(For example, 100% if ALL loads use hot water and 50% if hot wash and cold rinse).
Initial Cost: Initial cost of the new washing machine.
Rebates, Tax Credits: Total value of any rebates or credits that the homeowner may wish to issue toward the cost of a new machine.
1B: Refrigerator
Fuel/System:Electric.
Current:Estimated annual kWh usage either based on data logging (Kill-a-watt) or database look up (age and size).
Upgrade: Estimated annual kWh usage of new upgraded machine.
Initial Cost: Initial cost of the new refrigerator.
Rebates, Tax Credits: Total value of any rebates or credits that the homeowner may wish to issue toward the cost of a new refrigerator.
1C: Freezer
Fuel/System:Electric.
Current:Estimated annual kWh usage either based on data logging (Kill-a-watt) or database look up (age and size).
Upgrade: Estimated annual kWh usage of new upgraded machine.
Initial Cost: Initial cost of the new freezer.
Rebates, Tax Credits: Total value of any rebates or credits that the homeowner may wish to issue toward the cost of a new freezer.
1D: Dehumidifier
Fuel/System:Electric.
Current:Age of the current dehumidifier (in years).
Quantity:Current dehumidifier’s capacity in pints per day.
Initial Cost: Initial cost of the new dehumidifier.
Rebates, Tax Credits: Total value of any rebates or credits that the homeowner may wish to issue toward the cost of a new dehumidifier.
1E: Window Air Conditioner (AC)
Fuel/System:Electric.
Current:Age of the current window AC (in years).
Quantity:Total BTUs of all old air conditioners that are recommended for replacement.
Upgrade: The average SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of new models.
Initial Cost: Initial cost all new window air conditioners.
Rebates, Tax Credits: Total value of any rebates or credits that the homeowner may wish to issue toward the cost of new window air conditioners.
2A: Wall Insulation
Fuel/System:Select primary fuel that is used for heating the home.
Current:Nominal R-value of the current wall insulation in the home. The spreadsheet will automatically adjust for any framing factors, etc.
Quantity: Total square feet of all wall insulation.
Upgrade: Nominal R-value of new insulation. Again, the spreadsheet will adjust.
Initial Cost: Initial cost of the insulation upgrade.
Rebates, Tax Credits: Total value of any rebates or credits that the homeowner may wish to issue toward the cost of new insulation.
2B: Ceiling Insulation
Fuel/System:Select primary fuel that is used for heating the home.
Current:Nominal R-value of the current ceiling insulation in the home. The spreadsheet will automatically adjust for any framing factors, etc.
Quantity: Total square feet of all ceiling insulation.
Upgrade: Nominal R-value of new insulation. Again, the spreadsheet will adjust.
Initial Cost: Initial cost of the insulation upgrade.
Rebates, Tax Credits: Total value of any rebates or credits that the homeowner may wish to issue toward the cost of new insulation.
2C: Floor over Basement Insulation
Fuel/System:Select primary fuel that is used for heating the home.
Current:Nominal R-value of the current floor over basement insulation in the home. The spreadsheet will automatically adjust for any framing factors, etc.
Quantity: Total square feet of all floor over basement insulation.
Upgrade: Nominal R-value of new insulation. Again, the spreadsheet will adjust.
Initial Cost: Initial cost of the insulation upgrade.
Rebates, Tax Credits: Total value of any rebates or credits that the homeowner may wish to issue toward the cost of new insulation.
2D: Open Floor Insulation
Fuel/System:Select primary fuel that is used for heating the home.
Current:Nominal R-value of the current open floor insulation in the home. The spreadsheet will automatically adjust for any framing factors, etc.
Quantity: Total square feet of all open floor insulation.
Upgrade: Nominal R-value of new insulation. Again, the spreadsheet will adjust.
Initial Cost: Initial cost of the insulation upgrade.
Rebates, Tax Credits: Total value of any rebates or credits that the homeowner may wish to issue toward the cost of new insulation.
2E: Window Replacement
Note: This calculates savings based on R-value only. One may want to include some infiltration savings (weatherizing) to account for any tighter windows.
Fuel/System:Select primary fuel that is used for heating the home.
Current:For current windows: type“1” for single pane windows; “2” for double pane; and “3”for Low-E Argon windows.
Quantity: The square footage of window openings to be upgraded.
Upgrade: For new windows: again type “1” for single pane windows; “2” for double pane; and “3”for Low-E Argon windows.
Initial Cost: Initial cost of the window upgrades.
Rebates, Tax Credits: Total value of any rebates or credits that the homeowner may wish to issue toward the cost of new windows.
3A: Air Sealing (CFM 50)
Fuel/System:Select primary fuel that is used for heating the home.
Current:Current cubic feet per minute (CFM) value that is found when the blower door test is done to the home.
Upgrade: New CFM value that would be true after sealing is done to the home.
Initial Cost: Initial cost of procedure to lower CFM value (i.e. the blower door test) and any sealing that is done to the home.
Rebates, Tax Credits: Total value of any rebates or credits that the homeowner may wish to issue toward the cost of procedures and sealing.
3B: Duct Sealing (CFM 25)
Fuel/System:Select primary fuel that is used for heating the home.
Current:Current cubic feet per minute (CFM) value that is found when the duct blaster test is done to the ducts in the home.
Upgrade: New CFM value that would be true after sealing is done to the ducts.
Initial Cost: Initial cost of procedure to lower CFM value (i.e. the duct blaster test) and any sealing that is done to the ducts.
Rebates, Tax Credits: Total value of any rebates or credits that the homeowner may wish to issue toward the cost of procedures and sealing.
4A: Heating system (fossil)
Note: Fuel must remain the same for upgrade. For example, upgrade an old oil system to a new oil system.
Fuel/System:Select primary fuel that is used for heating the home.
Current:Estimated annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of current heating system.
Quantity: Annual heating consumption. (Measured in therms for natural gas and gallons for propane and oil).
Upgrade: Estimated AFUE of new heating system.
Initial Cost: Initial cost of the upgrade.
Rebates, Tax Credits: Total value of any rebates or credits that the homeowner may wish to issue toward the cost of upgrading.