Home Energy Upgrade Calculator

See the real cost, federal tax credits, annual savings, and payback period for every major home energy upgrade — ranked by return on investment.

Your Home

StateSets average electricity and gas rates, and average daily sun hours for solar. You can override the rates manually below.

Home sizeUsed to estimate insulation costs and heat pump sizing. Enter your conditioned living area, not total lot size.

Electricity & gas ratesPre-filled from state averages but fully editable. Check your utility bill for your actual rate — it dramatically affects payback for most upgrades.

State

Home size (sq ft)2,000 sq ft

Electricity rate ($/kWh)$0.16

Natural gas rate ($/therm)$1.20

Select Upgrades to Model

IRA tax creditsThe Inflation Reduction Act (2022) provides federal tax credits for most home energy upgrades. Credits shown reflect 2024 rules and reduce what you owe in federal taxes dollar-for-dollar — not a deduction.

Solar: 30% creditNo cap — 30% of total installed system cost. Average system runs $25,000-$35,000 before credit.

Heat pump: up to $2,00030% of cost, capped at $2,000/yr for heat pumps. Additional rebates may be available through your utility.

Water heater: up to $60030% of cost, capped at $600 for heat pump water heaters.

Insulation: up to $1,20030% of cost, capped at $1,200/yr for insulation and air sealing.

Windows: up to $60030% of cost, capped at $600/yr for windows and skylights meeting Energy Star requirements.

☀️Solar Panels30% IRA credit 🌡️Heat Pump (HVAC)Up to $2,000 credit 💧Heat Pump Water HeaterUp to $600 credit 🏠Insulation & Air SealingUp to $1,200 credit 🌡Smart ThermostatNo IRA credit 🪟High-efficiency WindowsUp to $600 credit

☀️ Solar Details

Average monthly electric bill$150

🌡️ Heat Pump Details

Current heating fuel

Current annual heating & cooling cost$2,400

💧 Water Heater Details

Current water heater type

Household size

🏠 Insulation Details

Current insulation quality

🌡 Thermostat Details

Annual heating & cooling cost$2,400

🪟 Window Details

Number of windows to replace12 windows

Replacing which window type?

Total investment

before credits

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Federal tax credits

IRA 2024

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Net cost

after all credits

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Annual savings

combined

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Avg payback

net cost / savings

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10-year net gain

savings minus net cost

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Est. annual CO₂ reduction

lbs of carbon dioxide per year

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Payback period by upgrade (years)

Upgrades ranked by ROI

Select upgrades on the left to see results.

This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. Cost estimates use national averages from NREL, DOE, and EPA data — actual costs vary significantly by region, contractor, and home condition. Solar savings assume best-case retail offset with no degradation, export limits, or shading losses. CO₂ reductions are estimates, not engineering calculations. Federal tax credit information reflects IRA 2024 rules. Always consult a qualified professional for decisions involving home energy improvements, contractor selection, or tax credit eligibility.

Home Energy Upgrade Calculator

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