Quiz
How Much Do You Know About Home Energy Upgrades?
Eight questions on payback, credits and efficiency.
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Home Energy Upgrade Calculator
See the real cost, annual savings and payback period for solar, heat pumps, insulation, windows and other home energy upgrades.
Questions this answers
- How long will solar panels take to pay for themselves?
- Is a heat pump worth it where I live?
- Which energy upgrade has the fastest payback?
- Are there still federal tax credits for home energy upgrades in 2026?
- How much CO2 will an upgrade save?
Your Home
Home size (sq ft)2,000 sq ft
Electricity rate ($/kWh)$0.16
Natural gas rate ($/therm)$1.20
Select Upgrades to Model
☀️ 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
Total investment
before credits
Federal tax credits
ended 12/31/2025
$0
Net cost
after all credits
Annual savings
combined
Avg payback
net cost / savings
10-year net gain
savings minus net cost
Est. annual CO₂ reduction
lbs of carbon dioxide per year
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 credits: Sections 25C and 25D ended after December 31, 2025 under P.L. 119-21, so no federal credit is applied. CO₂ uses the EPA eGRID2023 U.S. average of 0.767 lb CO₂ per kWh. Always consult a qualified professional for decisions involving home energy improvements, contractor selection, or tax credit eligibility.
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Frequently asked questions
Are federal tax credits still available for home energy upgrades?
Not for most homeowners. The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) and the Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) ended for property placed in service or expenditures made after December 31, 2025. The calculator applies no federal credit for 2026. State, utility and local rebates may still apply, so check your area.
How is the payback period calculated?
Payback is the net cost of the upgrade divided by the yearly savings on your energy bills. If an upgrade costs $12,000 and saves $1,000 a year, payback is about 12 years. Upgrades that last longer than their payback period save money over their life.
Which upgrades usually pay back fastest?
Low-cost measures such as a smart thermostat, air sealing and attic insulation usually pay back within a few years. Larger projects such as solar, heat pumps and new windows cost more and pay back over a longer period, depending on your energy prices and climate.
How are CO2 savings estimated?
Electricity savings are converted using an average U.S. grid factor of about 0.82 lb of CO2 per kWh, and fuel savings with standard factors for natural gas, oil or propane. Your local grid may be cleaner or dirtier than the average.
Can I save my plan?
Yes. Save keeps your upgrades and inputs in this browser on this device, with no account needed.
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Test what you know
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