Smart Homeowners Plan First
Follow Our 3-step Retrofit Process:
📚 Course Overview
Step 1: Score
- Home Energy Score: Use Department of Energy’s demo tool to measure your home’s assets.
- The Building Science Connection: Understand what you’re measuring—and why it matters.
Step 2: Explore
- Model Retrofit Paths: Basic → Intermediate → Advanced.
- Electrification Checklist: Panel needs, heat pumps.
Step 3: Renew The Core Systems
- Prioritize Wisely: Safety checks before upgrades.
- Retrofit Roadmap: Scope & order of work.
- Working with Contractors: Questions & bids.
- Maximize Savings: Rebates & Tax Credits (through 2032).
See how one Saint Paul historic homeowner created a plan to cut fossil fuel use by 95% — and lower their energy bills too.
Step 1: Before Retrofit
Score: 1/10
Energy Cost: $3,037/year
Annual Energy Use: 253 MBtus
Problems: Leaky basement, poorly insulated walls & attic, old gas boiler
Step 2: Basic Upgrades (Move-In)
Score: 3/10
Energy Cost: $2,847/year
Annual Energy Use: 226 MBtus
Fixes: Attic insulation to R-55, basic air sealing
Step 3: Intermediate Upgrades
Score: 7/10
Energy Cost: $2,226/year
Annual Energy Use: 162 MBtus
Fixes: Rim joist sealing, basement wall insulation, high-efficiency condensing boiler
Step 4: Deep Retrofit (Modeled Future)
Score: 9/10
Energy Cost: $2,302/year
Annual Energy Use: 137 MBtus
Upgrades: Air-to-water heat pump for 80% heating, 100% cooling & 100% hot water
GHC BLOG
Green Home AI
Ask A Question You Have or Let Green Home AI Teach You Building Science:
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🌡️ “How might a heat pump fit into an overall whole home plan?”
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🧱 “Explain how heat moves through walls and what insulation upgrades are most effective for my climate zone.”
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💧 “What are the signs that my home might have moisture problems?”
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🌬️ “What are the benefits of mechanical ventilation, and do I need an HRV or ERV?”
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🌞 “How can solar panels and battery storage work together to create energy resilience?”
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🏡 “What is the best retrofit plan for an older home like mine (describe, age, location, sq feet, complaints)?”