How to Improve Your Home Energy Rating

What "home energy rating" actually means

Your home energy rating is a measurable score of how much energy your house consumes relative to a reference home. In the U.S., the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index is the standard — 100 is a typical new build, lower is better, and 0 means your home produces as much energy as it uses. HomeGPA rolls energy performance into a broader letter grade alongside water, air quality, roof, maintenance, and safety.

The 6 highest-impact upgrades, ranked

1. Air sealing (cheapest, fastest payback)

The average U.S. home leaks the equivalent of a 2-foot-square hole. Seal attic bypasses, rim joists, can lights, and around plumbing penetrations with caulk and spray foam. Expect a 5–15% reduction in heating and cooling costs for under $300 in materials.

2. Attic insulation

Most homes built before 2000 have R-19 or less in the attic. Top up to at least R-49 (about 16 inches of blown cellulose) in cold and mixed climates, R-38 in hot climates. Typical cost: $1,500–$3,500. Payback: 3–5 years.

3. Smart thermostat + zoning

A learning thermostat that setbacks while you're away or asleep saves 8–12% on HVAC use. Pair with zoning dampers in larger homes so you stop conditioning rooms you don't use.

4. High-efficiency heat pump HVAC

A cold-climate heat pump (SEER2 16+, HSPF2 8.5+) cuts heating energy by 50–70% versus electric resistance and 30–50% versus older gas furnaces. The federal 25C tax credit covers 30% up to $2,000, and many utilities add rebates of $1,000–$3,000.

5. Heat pump water heater

Water heating is roughly 18% of home energy use. A heat pump water heater is 3–4× more efficient than a standard electric tank and qualifies for a 30% tax credit up to $2,000.

6. Windows and shading (last, not first)

New windows are often oversold. Weather windows, low-e films, and exterior shading on south- and west-facing glass usually deliver 80% of the benefit for 20% of the cost. Only replace full window assemblies when they're already failing.

A 30-day plan to raise your score

1. Week 1 — Measure. Get your HomeGPA assessment and pull 12 months of utility bills.
2. Week 2 — Seal and seal again. Caulk, weatherstrip, and foam every visible leak.
3. Week 3 — Add insulation in the attic and around ducts in unconditioned space.
4. Week 4 — Install a smart thermostat and schedule a heat-pump quote for the next replacement cycle.

Rebates and tax credits to claim

• Federal 25C credit: 30% of project cost, up to $1,200/year for insulation and air sealing, plus a separate $2,000 for heat pumps.
• HEEHRA & HOMES rebates: Up to $14,000 in point-of-sale rebates for income-qualified households.
• Utility rebates: Check your local provider — most offer $500–$3,000 for heat pumps, water heaters, and insulation.

Frequently asked questions