State of Oregon: Save Energy - Home Energy Scoring: For Consumers

Home Energy Score systems help homeowners, homebuyers, and renters better understand a home's energy use, and how even small improvements can make a big difference in energy savings.

Sample Score

After a certified assessor reviews your home, you will receive an energy score and report. This sample score report walks through a home's score and its recommended improvements to save energy and money.

In addition to outlining your home's energy details, the report will also show lower-cost repairs you can implement first, along with the resulting energy savings you can expect. It will also list bigger projects to tackle later, such as replacing windows or a water heater.

Choosing to upgrade your home results in energy savings that pay back your investment. Some upgrades pay back quickly, in a few years, and provide ongoing savings. Some upgrades will take longer to pay back, but often add overall value to your home.

Find an Assessor

Home energy scores are required within the city of Portland limits. Visit the City of Portland's website to learn more about its home energy score program, and find a list of qualified assessors with Earth Advantage.

Outside Portland, home energy scores are voluntary. The Oregon Department of Energy has partnered with Earth Advantage on the implementation of the statewide program. Earth Advantage has a list of approved assessors who can conduct home energy score assessments outside Portland.

Making Energy Efficient Upgrades More Affordable

In addition to providing information on how your home uses energy, the Home Energy Score provides a list of recommended improvements that can be made to improve your score and save money on your energy bills. Your local bank may offer special financing for home repair or energy-related improvements. The U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings program put together a list of products linked to home energy scores.

Financing:

ODOE is aware of the following local financial institution programs. Please note this list does not indicate endorsement by the Oregon Department of Energy.

Incentives for Energy Efficient Upgrades:

You may be eligible for incentives from Energy Trust of Oregon to help you finance energy efficiency improvements. Learn more here.

Information on additional incentive programs is avilable on our incentives page.

Why Home Energy Scores?

The Oregon Department of Energy's 2018 Biennial Energy Report took a deep dive into energy consumers in our state. Unfortunately, Oregon continues to see challenges faced by energy-burdened consumers.

An Oregonian is considered "energy burdened" when their household's energy-related expenditures exceed 6% of their income. In some Oregon counties, nearly half of the residents earning 200% or below the Federal Poverty Level are energy burdened.

Home energy scores can help consumers better understand a home's energy efficiency, and identify simple home improvements that can mean big savings for their energy bills.

From the 2018 Biennial Energy Report

Percentage of Oregon Households Considered Energy Burdened and Earning 200 Percent or Below Federal Poverty Level (read more in Chapter 7)