While energy professionals like us can drill down deeper than the average homeowner when analyzing a home's energy usage and losses, it doesn't mean homeowners shouldn't conduct their own home energy assessments. In fact, we encourage everyone to take control of their 'monergy' and understand the basics of how their home performs. Here are a few of our favorite online tools for the DIY'er:
EnergySavers.gov. The best place to start because it tells you what to look for and why each component is important. Explains how to conduct your own assessment.
EnergySavvy.com. This site has quickly established itself as a go-to resource for energy professionals and homeowners alike. The link takes you directly to the page that allows you to punch in the numbers for your house and create your own mini-energy audit. It generates a score for you at the end that offers a visual reference. Start by entering your zip code and you're done in three minutes.
Touchstone Energy. Touchstone operates a lot of the rural electric co-ops in the Prairie State, and this is their online tool. Very quick and it allows you to enter fuels costs.
EnergyStar.gov. If you are an Ameren customer, this is the online tool they recommend. (Note the graphic in the center of the screen that says, "What's your score?" This refers to The Home Energy Score, which is a tool and a term that is poised to break into the mainstream in the next year. This tool is based on the Home Energy Scoring System.)
Not surprisingly, we recommend having your house inspected by an energy professional. But these tools allow you to learn more about your home and its performance and are a great place to start.
