Are You Using Too Much?
"You use more than average" is useless without context. We compare you to homes that actually match yours.
See where you stand. Spot problems early. Find your efficiency potential.
Why Utility Reports Are Useless
What Your Utility Sends
Your Home Report
MORE than neighbors
You
Neighbors
Problems:
- - "Neighbors" includes apartments, mansions, vacant homes
- - No weather adjustment
- - No information about WHAT to do
- - Updates quarterly (if that)
What We Show You
Your Real Comparison
more than similar 2,200 sq ft homes
You
Similar
Efficient
What you learn:
- + Compared to homes YOUR size and age
- + Weather-normalized for fair comparison
- + Shows "efficient" target to aim for
- + Updates daily with actionable insights
The difference matters: A 32% "above neighbors" panic becomes an 8% "above similar homes" reality check. Maybe you have one more occupant. Maybe your AC is slightly older. That's manageable - not a crisis.
See Yourself In Context
Three real comparison scenarios. Which one are you?
Doing Great
Your Home
1050 kWh
Similar Homes
1280 kWh
Efficient Homes
920 kWh
Neighborhood
1340 kWh
You're using 18% less than similar homes. Great job! Your efficiency habits are saving you roughly $35/month compared to your neighbors.
Right On Track
Your Home
1245 kWh
Similar Homes
1280 kWh
Efficient Homes
920 kWh
Neighborhood
1300 kWh
You're right in line with similar homes. Your usage is typical for a home your size in your area. Look at 'Efficient Homes' for potential savings opportunities.
Room to Improve
Your Home
1680 kWh
Similar Homes
1290 kWh
Efficient Homes
950 kWh
Neighborhood
1350 kWh
You're using 30% more than similar homes. This could indicate an efficiency issue, or your home may have more occupants/larger square footage than our estimates.
What Makes Homes "Similar"
We match on factors that actually affect energy usage.
Primary Factors
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Square footage (+/- 15%)
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Year built (+/- 10 years)
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Climate zone (same region)
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Home type (house vs apt)
Secondary Factors
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AC type (central, window)
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Pool/spa (yes/no)
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Heat type (electric, gas)
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Solar (excluded from base)
Adjustments Made
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Weather (cooling degree days)
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Seasonality (month-over-month)
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Billing cycle (days in period)
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Holidays (travel patterns)
How Neighbor Comparison Works
Meaningful comparisons require thoughtful matching.
Profile Your Home
We analyze your meter data, public records, and any details you provide - square footage, year built, AC type, pool, etc.
Find Similar Homes
We match you against thousands of Texas homes with similar characteristics in similar climate zones.
Weather Normalize
Hot week? Everyone uses more. We adjust comparisons for weather so you're comparing behavior, not circumstances.
Calculate Percentiles
Where do you fall? Top 10% efficiency? Bottom 30%? We show your position in the distribution.
Generate Insights
Raw numbers aren't enough. We tell you what the comparison means and what (if anything) to do about it.
When Comparison Really Matters
Context turns data into action.
Spike Validation
Your usage spiked 40%. Is it just you, or is everyone in your area running AC harder?
If it's just you:
Likely an equipment issue or behavior change. Investigate.
If it's everyone:
Extreme weather event. Normal response. Monitor but don't panic.
Efficiency Potential
You're at 1,400 kWh. Efficient homes like yours use 1,050 kWh. There's room to improve.
The gap shows your potential:
350 kWh x $0.12 = ~$42/month possible savings with efficiency improvements
Common quick wins:
Air sealing, thermostat programming, AC maintenance
New Home Baseline
Just moved? You don't know what "normal" is yet. We tell you what to expect based on similar homes.
First summer shock prevention:
"Similar 2,500 sq ft homes average 1,600 kWh in August. Budget accordingly."
Dispute Evidence
Utility says your usage is normal. Your neighbors had a normal month. You didn't. That's evidence.
Building your case:
"My usage doubled while 500 similar homes in my area stayed flat. Weather was normal. This warrants meter verification."
Comparison Myths vs Reality
What people assume vs. what the data shows.
"You use more than average" utility reports
Average of WHAT? We compare you to homes that actually match yours - similar size, age, and weather zone.
Smart thermostats save everyone 20%
Depends on your baseline. If you already adjust manually, savings are less. We show your actual opportunity.
"Your neighborhood" is a fair comparison
Apartments next to mansions? Not useful. We group by home characteristics, not just geography.
Solar homes are "efficient"
Solar reduces bills, not usage. We separate solar homes so comparisons are apples-to-apples.
High usage means something is wrong
Maybe. But family of 6 will use more than couple who travels. Context matters more than raw numbers.
How "Efficient Homes" Get There
The top 25% aren't magic - they just do these things consistently.
High Impact (100-300 kWh/mo savings)
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Thermostat optimization
78+ in summer, 68- in winter, setbacks when away
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AC maintenance
Clean filters monthly, annual tune-up, sealed ducts
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Water heater settings
120F max, heat pump if electric, timer if TOU plan
Medium Impact (50-100 kWh/mo savings)
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LED lighting
Replace all bulbs - LEDs use 75% less electricity
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Window management
Blinds closed during day, blackout curtains, window film
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Refrigerator check
Clean coils, check seals, proper temp settings
Remember: "Efficient homes" aren't suffering. They're just not wasting. You don't have to live in discomfort - just plug the obvious leaks and your usage drops naturally.
Questions About Neighbor Comparison
How do you know what 'similar homes' are?
We use a combination of public property records (square footage, year built, assessed value), meter data patterns (suggesting AC type, pool, etc.), your ZIP code's climate zone, and any details you provide. We're not comparing your 2,400 sq ft home to a studio apartment or a 5,000 sq ft mansion.
Is this the same as my utility's comparison reports?
Better. Utility reports often compare you to 'neighbors' which could include vastly different homes. We match on actual home characteristics. Plus, we update more frequently and provide actionable insights, not just 'you use X% more than average.'
What if my home data is wrong?
You can update your home profile in the Members Portal. Tell us about pools, hot tubs, electric vehicles, number of occupants - anything that affects usage. More accurate input means more useful comparisons.
How many homes am I being compared to?
Typically 500-2,000 similar homes, depending on how specific your profile is. A 2,000 sq ft home built in 2005 in the Houston area has lots of matches. A unique property might have fewer, and we'll tell you if the comparison group is small.
What's the difference between 'Similar Homes' and 'Efficient Homes'?
'Similar Homes' is your peer group - homes like yours, all usage levels included. 'Efficient Homes' is the top 25% of that group - what's achievable if you optimize. This shows your potential, not just your position.
Can this help me find problems?
Yes - if you suddenly spike above your comparison group during normal weather, something changed. Either your behavior (guests, new appliance) or a problem (failing equipment). Combined with our spike alerts, it's powerful for catching issues.
Where Do You Stand?
Get meaningful context for your usage. See how you compare to homes that actually match yours - not random "neighbors."