Homeowners will be able to rate the energy efficiency of their homes and get information on how to improve their environmental rating, thanks to a new online tool launched by Microsoft.
The Microsoft Hohm tool launched this week is now available to around 60 million homeowners in the US. By typing their postcode into the tool, users are presented with an average Hohm score for their property. “The Hohm Score provides an easy way for anyone to measure their home energy efficiency, and compare it with others. It’s important to note that the average Hohm Score here in the US is a failing grade,” said Troy Batterberry, product unit manager of Microsoft Hohm.
Homeowners can also get an estimate of potential savings that could come from improving aspects such as insulation and energy management. “By making some simple changes to your household, consumers can easily achieve a passing mark, and save an estimated tens of billions of dollars each and every year,” added Batterberry.
Microsoft was approached for comment on whether the service would be extended to the UK but was not able to confirm in time for this article’s publication.
According to Microsoft, the average Hohm Score is 61 with Hawaii coming in with the most energy efficient properties and Texas coming in last. The metrics are calculated based on analytics licensed from Lawrence Berkeley National Labs and data from the Department of Energy.
“The Hohm Score is the first step in helping us all make smarter decisions about our home energy use,” Batterberry said. “If each of the 60 million households improved their Hohm Score by five points, collectively that would equal an estimated $8 billion in savings a year.”
Microsoft launched a beta of Hohm last June. Hohm provides its tailored savings recommendations, which can range from removing air leaks to installing a programmable thermostat, based on specific data available in the consumer’s home including house features, usage patterns and appliances.
If consumers don’t provide their data, Microsoft Hohm will base its recommendations on local and national averages. But the energy usage data and feedback it receives from users will be used to refine and improve the accuracy and relevancy of recommendations, it added.
Google has also developed tools to help consumers measure their energy efficiency. The company launched its free PowerMeter tool in the UK last year, enabling British consumers to monitor their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions via the web. The service will be available to customers of first:utility – a small gas and electricity provider with around 30,000 customers – from early November.
Google PowerMeter, which has already been trialled in the US, receives data from smart meters and other energy management devices installed in people’s homes and businesses. The software can plot graphs of a user’s energy consumption over time and compare it to their previous usage and regional averages.
But despite the interest shown by some consumers in measuring energy efficiency, experts have postulated that some utilities may not be so keen to empower their customers with usage data, as this would be likely to upset established business models.
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Had this response from Microsoft Re international roll-out of Hohm:
"Hohm is not currently able to support residents outside of the U.S. at this time, however we are planning to expand to additional countries in the future."