Home Energy Calculator

If you are thinking about buying a new home and want to estimate what you energy bills will be, or if you want some suggestions on ways to reduce your monthly expenses, the Department of Energy has an online Home Energy Saver that does both!

Start by going to http://hes.lbl.gov/consumer/ and enter your zip code. On the following pages, fill in as much information as you have about the house (size, type of windows, insulation levels, etc) as well as current energy pricing. If you don't have this information, estimate the best that you can (HINT: On my last statements, Clark Public Utilities charged 7.98 cents per kilowatt hour. NW Natural charged $1.077 per therm). Once you entered all the information, it will provide you with an estimate of your annual energy expenses.

The next page will give you suggestions on potential upgrades, as well as estimates on what each project could save you annually.

If you are a homeowner, be sure to keep records for any major energy upgrades you make, as those can be a helpful selling tool next time you move!