The VHEP is available to any Vermont resident, whether they are selling their home or not, as a free tool for understanding more about their potential for energy savings. This information is designed to enable more knowledgeable decisions about the full costs of operating homes and to motivate investments in home improvements that lower bills, reduce carbon emissions, and increase home comfort, safety, and health.

Using the Vermont Home Energy Profile (overview)

VHEP Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions

Using the Vermont Home Energy Profile (step-by-step guide)

Vermont Home Energy Profile website

Home Energy Information Ordinance

VHEP Methodology by Clearly Energy

VHEP Sample Label

Building Energy Labeling/Rating Impacts (report by Energy Futures Group, November 2020)

For more on Montpelier’s Home Energy Information Ordinance and supporting tools, reach out to Jasmine Benson, jbenson@montpelier-vt.org

Does this ordinance apply to "for sale by owner" homes?

Yes. The homeowner is responsible for ensuring the Vermont Home Energy Profile (VHEP) is included in any online listings and at open houses hosted by the owner. All required listings include any printed advertisement, internet posting, or publicly displayed sign, including but not limited to NEREN MLS, Picket Fence Preview, Redfin, Zillow, Trulia and other third-party listing services. The only exemptions will be made for a building sold through a foreclosure, trustee, deed-in-lieu, or any pre-foreclosure sale.

What if someone lies on the form?

To ensure accountability, the name of the person who fills out the information for the VHEP is included in the report. In addition, the person claiming a home agrees to the following:

• They are the utility account holder or have the authority to act on behalf of the account holder.

• They will not provide incorrect information.

• They will comply with the Terms of Use.

In addition, the homeowner signs off on the information included in a listing. If the buyer finds information misrepresented, they could take legal action against the seller.

What about the variability of energy prices?

The VHEP captures the estimated energy costs at the time the report is generated. It is true that energy prices may vary and the actual cost of energy may differ slightly from the estimated costs.

Will I need a separate energy visit before I list my house for sale?

No, Energy Estimator does not require an in-person assessment. This tool is used to streamline the process and make it as easy as possible for homeowners.

What if my expected annual energy cost is not what I expected it to be?

Different owners may use the same house very differently. The VHEP is intended to assess a home based on its physical features, like insulation levels, HVAC systems, and hot water systems, rather than the home’s energy usage. The cost estimate and energy score use standardized conditions like thermostat temperature and occupancy. It’s possible that you may not operate your house under the standardized conditions. This estimated cost may be different than your actual energy bills, which are based on your household’s energy consumption behavior (e.g. thermostat temperature, number of occupants, etc.).

Asset scores apply the same set of behavioral assumptions to the home regardless of the current occupants. Applying a common set of assumptions and evaluating only the physical assets protects resident privacy, allows comparison of different homes, and produces a durable score that remains valid through a change of ownership of the home. The only way to change a home’s asset-based score is to change the home's energy-related systems (HVAC, hot water, envelope, etc.).

You also have the option of entering your annual energy bill information (in either dollars or units of energy) to provide a basis for an estimated annual energy cost. The Energy Estimator will still adjust these values for standardized conditions.

For how long is my home’s profile valid?

Printed and electronic VHEP reports are valid for two (2) years from the assessment date to ensure the reports reflect current and accurate information since fuel prices change regularly. Following the expiration date, a seller listing a home publicly for sale is required to have the Vermont Home Energy Profile reissued. VHEP reports are void and invalid after an alteration or remodel of the home that affects the heated square footage, the quality and type of windows, insulation, HVAC equipment, or other changes that are reasonably expected to impact the Vermont Home Energy Profile and associated estimates of energy use. Other changes can include remodeling a basement or attic space. These changes require a new Vermont Home Energy Profile to be obtained prior to publicly listing the covered building for sale.

Do I have to pay for a VHEP?

No. There is no cost to the homeowner in Montpelier to complete a VHEP report.

What if I have a high estimated energy cost?

By including the VHEP in the listing, prospective buyers can make better informed decisions, but having a higher estimated cost of operation does not necessarily mean buyers will be deterred from your home. Studies around the country have shown that homes that provide standardized energy information, like VHEP, sell faster than homes without this information (source). Homebuyers like having energy information, similar to having miles-per-gallon information when buying a car. In addition, providing energy information with recommendations influences new homeowners’ decisions about energy renovations.

What is included in the Vermont Home Energy Profile (VHEP)?

• Home characteristics (address, age, sq. ft.)

• Estimated annual energy use and relative home efficiency 

• Estimated annual energy cost 

• Breakout of total energy use (ex. electricity, heating fuel) 

• Energy highlights, certifications and features 

• Next steps to lower energy costs 

• Resources for assisting homeowners with energy improvements

What if I have already completed an energy audit with an energy score?

You are still required to complete the VHEP using Energy Estimator. Energy Estimator will pull certification and energy rating information from HELIX and include this in the profile to recognize the work you have already done.

How are the results verified?

If a label is generated using home energy information provided by a qualified professional, the label will display the words “Professionally Verified” to show that the label creator has professional knowledge of home energy features. 

If the label was generated with homeowner inputs, the label will display the words “Homeowner Verified” showing the owner completed inputs to the best of their knowledge. When a homeowner first enters the information into the tool to create a label, they will need to attest that the information they are entering is correct to the best of their knowledge. 

In a third scenario, a label can be generated using publicly available data from the City’s tax assessor database, unmodified by a homeowner or professional. In this case the label will show “Unverified Estimate” to show that the estimate is based on data that has not been verified by someone familiar with the home’s current energy features.

Are there resources available to help me lower my estimated energy cost for my home?

Yes! Efficiency Vermont has several resources available to help Montpelier residents complete home energy improvements. In fact, your profile will provide recommended next steps for improving the efficiency of your home, including contacting Efficiency Vermont. Consider checking out Efficiency Vermont’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program.

What does ClearlyEnergy do with my data? Will it be sold?

None of your data will be sold. The data automatically pulled into the VHEP is publicly accessible data from the City Assessor’s property information cards. Any edited features by the homeowner are stored within Energy Estimator, but are not shared. Energy Estimator shares the VHEP with HELIX, which then shares the VHEP with parties such as MLS, which is subject to privacy restrictions. HELIX does not store any Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as customer name, actual utility usage, or cost data, except in cases where the customer has supplied this information and agreed to share the data.

Is the VHEP required for multifamily/apartment buildings?

The Montpelier ordinance requires the VHEP for all residential buildings. Commercial, retail, and industrial buildings are not required to file the VHEP at time of sale.