Many websites provide tools and information to help home owners, building managers and designers with energy efficiency. Below is a listing of tools taken from links from Energy Program at FedCenter.gov that relate to energy conservation, alternative energy sources and energy management.
Energy Star Home Advisor: This tool provides consumers with customized recommendations for improving energy efficiency and comfort at home.
FEMP Energy and Cost Savings Calculators: for Energy-Efficient Products: These calculators allow users to enter their own input values (e.g., utility rates, hours of use, etc.) to estimate the energy cost savings from buying a more efficient product. Calculators are available for, but not limited to: compact fluorescent lamps, commercial unitary air conditioners, air cooled chillers, water-cooled chillers, commercial heat pumps, boilers, refrigerators, freezers, beverage vending machines, computers, monitors, faxes, printers, copiers, faucet/showerheads, toilet/urinals, central air conditioners, gas furnaces, electric/gas water heaters, clothes washers, and dish washers.
Energy Data and Tools from Data.gov: This site provides access to a compilation of datasets from multiple Federal agencies (i.e., DOE, EPA, GSA) concerning multiple aspects of energy. Examples of available datasets include data about: Energy Star products; Energy Star buildings; energy use analysis; hydropower generation data; DOE NEPA documentation, and EPA geospatial data.
SmarterHouse: This site from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has information to help you make wise investment decisions for maximum energy savings: Planning Energy Improvements and Home Energy Checklists and quick fixes, with information about Appliances + Energy » Cooking, Dishwashing, Food Storage, Home Electronics, Laundry, Lighting; Home Systems + Energy » Building Envelope, Cooling Systems, Heating Systems, Ventilation and Air Distribution; Water Heating Resources » and more.
DSIRE: Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy with links by state to programs like Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit and PV Incentive rebates. This is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.
National Solar Permitting Database: A free, online database of solar permitting requirements for cities and counties across the country.
State and Local Policy Database: Sponsored by the American Council For an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the database includes comprehensive information on energy efficiency policies currently implemented at the state and local level. The database tracks policy activity across multiple sectors, including state and local governments, utilities, transportation, buildings, combined heat and power, and appliance standards. Users can click on a state or city on the database map to learn more about the specific policies that encourage energy efficiency. Users can also look at a particular policy type and compare the approaches of all states or cities to that topic.
Utility Data Access Map: From DOE, this is an interactive Web platform that enables electric utilities across the country to show both residential and commercial customers, in a simple way, the data they can access on their electricity use. The tool highlights local access to electricity data and allows consumers to compare their electricity data access to others in their state and across the country. The data access maps display different features of consumer electricity data including the time period and timeliness of data–informing consumers, for example, whether their utility supplies same-day electricity use information–and the extent to which the data can be shared.