The U.S. Department of Energy's Home Energy Score — a rating from 1 to 10 — is becoming an important tool in real estate. Homes with higher scores sell faster and command premiums of 3–5% in markets where disclosure is common. Here's what it means for your home.
What the Score Measures
The Home Energy Score is based on your home's physical characteristics — insulation levels, window efficiency, HVAC systems, water heater, and air sealing — rather than actual energy bills. This makes it useful for comparing homes regardless of occupant behavior.
A score of 10 means your home is as efficient as the most energy-efficient homes in the U.S. A score of 1 means it uses significantly more energy than typical homes. The national average is around 5.
How It Affects Home Value
Studies from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that homes with high energy efficiency ratings sell for 3–5% more than comparable unrated homes in markets where disclosure is common (Portland, OR; Austin, TX; several Northeast markets). As energy costs rise, this premium is growing.
How to Improve Your Score
The biggest score improvements come from: attic insulation upgrades (often +1–2 points), air sealing (+1 point), heat pump HVAC replacement (+1–2 points), and window upgrades (+0.5 points). HomeShark's free report shows your estimated current efficiency score and which upgrades will improve it most.
How to Get an Official Score
An official DOE Home Energy Score requires an assessment by a certified assessor (cost: $100–$300). Some utilities offer this as a free service. The score is useful if you're planning to sell, refinancing with an energy-efficient mortgage (EEM), or applying for certain utility rebate programs that require it.