Navigating the Home Heating Index for HPwES
For NH homeowners who aren’t eligible for state or federal energy assistance, the Home Heating Index tool must be used to determine eligibility in the low cost Home Performance w/ ENERGY STAR program. (HPwES). Click the HHI weblink button below. The actual eligibility page will open in a different window. Follow the instructions here to complete your eligibilty application.
Navigating the HHI: continued.
Under Step 1 / Basic Information: Select your electric supplier from the drop down list, add the zip code for the home being requested, and enter the conditioned,, purposely heated space. Do not include any garage space, regardless of whether it is finished, insulated or heated. Include areas of basement that are purposely heated or finished.
Navigating the HHI: continued.
Prepare to enter any / all fuels that you use to space heat your home. Many homes use a combination of fuels to space heat.
NATURAL GAS: Review your last gas bill and determine how many therms of natural gas you have used over the last 12 months. Enter that amt. Select Liberty NG or Unitil NG as the provider. If you mistakenly select a Natural Gas provider, though you don’t use any NG, be sure to clear the information via the “clear” button and re-enter the accurate info.
Navigating the HHI: continued.
ELECTRIC HEAT: If you have permanently installed electric baseboard heat, or heat pumps, for primary or supplemental heating, enter “Yes” under the electric heat question. Then, enter your total electric usage per month for the last 12 months. The HHI calculator will survey the usage and estimate how much of the annual electricity is for heating or cooling.
Navigating the HHI: continued.
OTHER FUELS: If you use Fuel Oil, Propane, Cordwood, Wood pellets or Kerosene for any space heating, enter the annual consumption in the appropriate boxes. Be prepared to provide and present delivery receipts.
Reading your HHI and Are you eligible?
A minimum Home Heating Index (HHI) is used by different utilties to estimate the liklihood of finding cost effective weatherization measures at your home. The HHI minimum threshold changes according to the utility and also changes occasionally in response to local fuel prices and program demand.
If the index tool determines your home meets the guidelines for enrollment, you’ll be asked to “Enroll for a Home Effiency Audit”. See the enrollment options under the dashboard display.
If you’re not eligible for HPwES….
When in the HHI tool, you may find your low annual fuel use does not trigger enrollment to the HPwES program and the comprehensive site visit / audit. However depending on the utility, the fuel and usage inputs, you may be asked to enroll in the “Visual Audit”program. See the enrollment options under the dashboard display. The VA program is a no cost one time visit by a utility selected representative who will install one or several Wi Fi thermostats and some other simple, direct install products.
