How We Research Our Guides

Energy Guide exists to give homeowners information they can rely on before they talk to a salesperson. This page explains where our figures come from, how we write and review the guides, and what we don't do.

Where our numbers come from

• Electricity prices: the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Electric Power Monthly, average residential price by state. Our calculators use the January to July 2026 averages; the US figure was 18.19 cents per kWh.
• Natural gas, propane and heating oil prices: EIA residential price series.
• Solar installed prices: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's annual residential solar pricing data (a national median of about $3.60 per watt before incentives in 2025, with wide differences between installers).
• Tax credits: the IRS. The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (30% for solar and batteries) and the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (up to $2,000 for heat pumps) both ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025.
• Equipment standards: the Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR (SEER2, HSPF2 and AFUE minimums and cold-climate heat pump criteria).
• State and local incentives: state energy offices, utilities and the DSIRE database (dsireusa.org). Programs change often, so our guides tell you what may be available and where to check the current details.
• Sunshine: typical peak sun hours for each state, from long-term solar resource averages. Your own roof, shade and orientation matter more than the state average.

How the guides are written and reviewed

Each state and city guide covers the same ground: local electricity prices and climate, typical costs, incentives, what to look for in a contractor, and common questions. The free downloadable guides go deeper on the decisions homeowners find hardest.

All guides were reviewed in October 2026. In that review we removed every reference to the ended federal tax credits, recalculated payback periods that had relied on them, removed company and brand names, and made sure no saving is presented as a promise. When rules or prices change materially, we update the affected guides and the review date.

How we talk about savings

Savings depend on your home, your bills, your utility's rules and the price you pay, so we never promise a fixed figure. You will see ranges, "up to" amounts and worked examples that are clearly labelled as examples. Results are individual.

What we don't do

• We don't name, rank or recommend specific companies, installers or brands.
• We don't accept payment to appear in, or influence, any guide.
• We don't pass on your details without your agreement.

Corrections

If you think something is wrong or out of date, email info@energyguideusa.com with the page address. We check every report and correct what needs correcting.

Who we are

Energy Guide is built and maintained by Shout Websites Ltd. More about us.