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Prioritizing Home Energy Upgrades

The Energy Upgrade Pyramid

Home energy upgrades should follow a pyramid of priority, starting with the cheapest, highest-impact measures. Level 1: behavior changes (thermostat setback, LED lighting, air-dry laundry) cost $0-200 and save 10-15 percent. Level 2: air sealing and insulation cost $1,000-5,000 and save 20-30 percent. Level 3: equipment upgrades (heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heater, Energy Star appliances) cost $3,000-15,000 and save 30-50 percent. Level 4: renewable generation (solar PV, battery) costs $10,000-25,000 and can eliminate remaining electricity costs. Working up the pyramid ensures you do not oversize expensive systems by first reducing the load they need to serve.

Prioritizing Home Energy Upgrades

The Energy Upgrade Pyramid

Home energy upgrades should follow a pyramid of priority, starting with the cheapest, highest-impact measures. Level 1: behavior changes (thermostat setback, LED lighting, air-dry laundry) cost $0-200 and save 10-15 percent. Level 2: air sealing and insulation cost $1,000-5,000 and save 20-30 percent. Level 3: equipment upgrades (heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heater, Energy Star appliances) cost $3,000-15,000 and save 30-50 percent. Level 4: renewable generation (solar PV, battery) costs $10,000-25,000 and can eliminate remaining electricity costs. Working up the pyramid ensures you do not oversize expensive systems by first reducing the load they need to serve.