Residential Energy Retrofit Assessment Builder
Systematically evaluate homes for energy retrofits and calculate ROI on improvements
What You Can Do
You can conduct structured residential energy assessments by inputting building characteristics, utility consumption patterns, and occupant behavior data. Claude analyzes this information to identify retrofit opportunities, quantify energy savings potential, calculate payback periods, and generate prioritized recommendations ranked by ROI. The skill handles complex interdependencies between measures (like how air sealing improves HVAC efficiency) to ensure financially sound retrofit packages.
Features
assess insulation levels, air leakage points, window performance, and thermal bridging to quantify heat loss
analyze existing heating/cooling efficiency, sizing appropriateness, and upgrade pathways including heat pump conversion
benchmark usage against regional standards, identify anomalies, and project savings from specific measures
rank improvements by cost-effectiveness, payback period, and interaction effects for optimal sequencing
compute upfront costs, annual savings, payback periods, and lifetime value for each recommended measure
generate detailed justification reports for PACE, HERO, utility rebate programs, and traditional lending
evaluate competing retrofit packages side-by-side with different scopes and budgets
monitor actual savings against projections and update assessments with performance data
Example Output
Example 1: Single-Family Home Assessment Summary
- Current Annual Energy Cost: $2,840
- Recommended Measures: Air sealing ($1,200), attic insulation upgrade to R-38 ($3,500), heat pump water heater ($4,200), smart thermostat ($400)
- Projected Annual Savings: $640 (22.5% reduction)
- Combined Project Cost: $9,300
- Simple Payback Period: 14.5 years
- Priority Sequence: Air sealing → attic insulation → heat pump water heater (captures complementary effects)
Example 2: Retrofit Package Comparison
| Measure | Cost | Annual Savings | Payback | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air sealing + insulation | $4,700 | $420 | 11.2 yrs | 1 |
| Heat pump HVAC | $8,500 | $680 | 12.5 yrs | 2 |
| Water heater upgrade | $4,200 | $240 | 17.5 yrs | 3 |
Example 3: Financing Application Excerpt
This 1985-built home exhibits 15% above-average heating consumption ($1,680/yr vs. $1,460 regional median). Primary inefficiencies: basement rim joist air leakage (estimated 8% of total infiltration), attic insulation at R-14 (code calls for R-38), and 25-year-old HVAC system at 78% efficiency. Proposed measures address root causes and support 22% energy reduction with 14-year payback.
What's Included
- SKILL.md: Complete assessment methodology with data collection checklists and analysis protocols
- Energy Audit Template: Structured data input form for building characteristics, equipment inventory, and utility history
- Retrofit Recommendation Framework: Measure selection logic, cost assumptions by region, and interaction effect calculator
- ROI Analysis Spreadsheet: Payback period formulas, sensitivity analysis, and financing scenario modeling
- Sample Assessment Report: Professional formatting example for homeowner presentations and financing applications
Who It's For
- Energy Efficiency Engineers — conducting residential audits and developing retrofit strategies
- Weatherization Program Administrators — qualifying homes and documenting energy savings projections
- HVAC Contractors — planning system upgrades with supporting efficiency improvements
- Energy Auditors — providing homeowners with prioritized, cost-justified retrofit plans
- Green Building Consultants — developing net-zero or high-performance retrofit roadmaps
Best For
- Initial home energy audits and retrofit qualification assessments
- HVAC replacement planning with complementary envelope improvements
- Weatherization and rebate program applications requiring detailed financial justification
- Heat pump conversion feasibility studies and savings projections
- Comparing competing retrofit packages by cost-effectiveness and ROI
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