🏡 Case Study: Boosting Home Energy Score from 4 to 9 in St. Paul, MN

A 1954 split-level home in St. Paul is getting a major energy-efficiency makeover. Using DOE’s Home Energy Score Tool, the homeowner modeled improvements that lift their score from 4 to 9 while cutting energy use—and carbon—by over a third.

🏠 Starting Score:
4/10
📈 Modeled Score:
9/10
🔥 Energy Use Before:
192 MBtu/year
🔥 Energy Use After:
127 MBtu/year
⚡ Energy Reduction:
65 MBtu → ≈ 34% reduction
🌍 CO₂ Reduction:
≈ 68% reduction
(assuming MN grid is 50% renewable)

🔧 Planned Upgrades/Bill Savings

  • Increase attic insulation to R-60 → 💵 $269/year
  • Insulate basement walls to R-19 → 💵 $179/year
  • Seal air leaks throughout the home → 💵 $57/year
  • Insulate the floor above unconditioned space → 💵 $41/year
  • Replace gas furnace with ENERGY STAR® heat pump
    → 💵 $220/year → ⚡ Fully electric

Using the demonstration version of the Home Energy Score to model potential upgrades…