Home Energy Database
Howard County received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy that funded 900 local home energy audits. The data from these audits have been analyzed and two tools created. Getting an energy audit is still the best idea, but these tools give you a snapshot of what is likely to be recommended as well as potential cost savings. Visit the Home Energy page for more info on how to get a low-cost home energy audit.
The map below shows where audited homes tended to use more or less energy. The map can display data for homes built within certain time frames or the combined data of all homes.
The interactive graph allows you to select 4 characteristics of your home which are then used to display both the typical energy usage for a home like yours and recommendations on how households similar to yours may be able to save money and energy. User tip: If you choose a combination that is not in the database, deselect one of the criteria such as age of home and try again.
Howard County Energy Usage Statistics
Select Maps by Home Vintage
Energy Usage Legend
High Energy UsageMed-High Energy Usage
Medium Energy Usage
Med-Low Energy Usage
Low Energy Usage
Describe Your Home
Energy | Current | Upgrade |
---|---|---|
Cooling Unit | 271.88 | 153.64 |
Heating Unit | 1,316.81 | 554.8 |
Water Heater | 517.34 | 438.05 |
Lights & Appliances | 556.49 | 291.65 |
Windows | 246.3 | 153.82 |
Insulation | 890.07 | 260.71 |
Air Sealing | 452.33 | 293.91 |
After Upgrades Total: $2146.58
Total Savings: $2104.64
Select Your Recommendations
On the chart to the left, make selections that represent your home type to view how homes like yours use energy and receive recommendations on ways to save money on utility bills and make your home more comfortable.
You can select from one or more of the following options: High School District, Vintage of Home, Size of Home, and Heating Fuel Type (electricity, gas, oil, or propane). Make your selection and click ‘Filter’ to see results and receive recommendations.
Results are based on an analysis of approximately 900 Howard County homes.
Your Home Recommendations
Homes like yours in Howard County could save up to $2104.64 per year with targeted, energy efficiency upgrades. For the greatest comfort improvement, air seal the rim of your attic floor and basement ceiling and insulate your attic. This could save a home like yours as much as $787.78 per year.
Replace incandescent lights and old appliances (e.g. refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher) with Energy-Star-certified models to save up to $264.84 per year.
Upgrade your heating and cooling unit to save up to $880.25 per year. The comfort improvements and monetary savings are greatest if you currently use a heat pump or electric resistance (e.g. electric baseboards) to heat your home.
Upgrade your water heater to a more efficient model to save up to $79.29 per year. And replace broken or inefficient windows to save a home like yours as much as $92.48 per year.
Visit BGESmartEnergy.com for information on up to $4000 in rebates and subsidies available for these upgrades. Please note that the above figures are averages and not guaranteed for all Howard County residents. A home energy audit is strongly recommended for more accurate estimates and to test for potential health and safety issues. Figures do not include costs for improvements.
Homes with oil or propane heat and no central air conditioning may not be eligible for all rebates.