Home energy guides
Field-tested guidance on where to start, what to upgrade, and how to make the numbers work for your home. No jargon, no hype.
Featured reads
How to plan home energy upgrades without wasting money
Step-by-step plan to prioritize weatherization, right-sized HVAC, water heating, and solar so you avoid expensive missteps.
Heat pump vs gas furnace in winter: how to pick the right one for your home
Use your own rates, climate, and house to decide whether a heat pump, gas furnace, or hybrid wins your winter.
All guides
9 articles
Cold rooms, hot rooms: fix uneven temps before big upgrades
Weekend-level fixes to even out hot and cold rooms before spending on new HVAC or windows.
How we calculate costs and savings (assumptions, sources, and caveats)
Where our upgrade estimates come from, the data we use, and the limits you should know before trusting payback numbers.
Home energy terms in plain English (from SEER2 to U-factor)
Plain-English guide to SEER2, HSPF2, AFUE, U-factor, SHGC, ACH50, kWh and other labels so you can compare quotes and plan upgrades.
Why your energy bill is so high: 7 things to check first
A 10–20 minute checklist to find whether billing quirks, weather, HVAC, hot water, or new gadgets are driving your high bill.
Heat pump water heater ROI without the hype
Will a heat pump water heater pay back in your home? Run the numbers with realistic install costs, COP, and incentives.
How to read your utility bill without guessing
Translate your utility bill into kWh, therms, and actual costs per end-use so you can target the right upgrade.
Air sealing weekend checklist: plug the worst drafts in 2 days
Calm the worst drafts in a single weekend with a DIY air sealing plan that tackles doors, attic access, outlets, and penetrations—without opening walls.
Ready to take action?
Use our tools to turn these guides into a personalized plan for your home.