An Extension Note on: The Home Heating Index

Abstract

The Home Heating Index (HHI) is a single number that characterizes the energy efficiency of a home or other dwelling unit during the winter heating season. It can be determined-quite easily for existing homes from energy records and weather data. It can also be predicted for unbuilt homes from their designs. Random surveys of homes in Iowa show that the HHI ranges from under 3 to over 21 BTU/degree-day per square foot of the heated floor area of a home. An Extension Service questionnaire and a computer program with weather data for several winters have enabled members of the general public to determine their homes’ HHI. The state of Iowa recently incorporated the HHI into the energy portion of its building code.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tom Greiner

Tom Greiner is Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering, and Extension Housing Specialist.

Laurent Hodges

Laurent Hodges is Professor, Department of Physics, and Extension Energy Specialist.

Patrick Huelman

Patrick Huelman is Extension Energy Specialist.

Mary H. Yearns

Mary H. Yearns is Associate Professor, Department of Family Environment, and Extension Housing Specialist.

K. Baker

K. Baker is Energy Program Leader in Engineering Extension. All are associated with the Iowa State University Extension Service, Ames, Iowa.