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Home Energy Terms Cheat Sheet
Our free Home Energy Terms Cheat Sheet explains common green-building words in plain language. It helps you understand what builders mean, ask better questions, and compare options for an energy-efficient, green, or passive-style home.
What is in the cheat sheet
This free one-page guide defines the terms many homeowners hear during planning and builder meetings. It is written in simple language, with short explanations you can review before calls, site visits, and bids.
It covers words such as R-value, U-factor, SHGC, ACH, blower-door test, HRV, ERV, heat pump, and net-zero. You will also see why each term matters, and what question to ask next.
How it helps you talk to builders
Building terms can sound technical fast. This cheat sheet gives you a basic translation so you can follow the conversation and slow it down when needed.
- Learn what a term means in everyday words
- Know which terms affect windows, insulation, air sealing, and fresh air systems
- Bring better questions to meetings and estimate reviews
- Compare builder explanations more clearly
If you want help finding experienced green builders, you can use our free get matched service. EverGrain Built is not a builder or contractor. We help you compare local options, then you choose who to hire.
Terms you will hear most often
Some terms come up again and again in green and passive-style homes. This guide focuses on the ones that shape comfort, durability, and energy use.
- R-value tells you how much insulation resists heat flow. Higher is often better, but the right level depends on climate and assembly.
- U-factor tells you how much heat moves through a window or door. Lower is generally better.
- SHGC tells you how much solar heat comes through glass. The best target depends on your climate and window orientation.
- ACH is a way to describe airtightness, often checked with a blower-door test.
The cheat sheet also explains why tight homes usually need planned fresh air, often with an HRV or ERV, and why many high-performance homes use heat pumps. For a broader overview, visit learn or systems.
Use it before you request bids
The best time to use this guide is early. Read it before design meetings, before you compare specs, and before you ask for pricing. That way, you can ask builders to explain what is included and what is not.
Keep the sheet next to your notes and use it as a checklist. Ask each builder to confirm important details in writing, including scope, materials, equipment, testing, and price. If you are still deciding what level of performance fits your goals, how it works and costs can help you prepare.
This guide is educational. It does not guarantee energy savings, comfort, certification, or final cost. Results vary by home design, climate, site, budget, and the licensed builder you hire.
This cheat sheet helps you understand the words builders use so you can ask smarter questions. It is a simple planning tool, not a promise of results.
Common questions
Is this cheat sheet really free?
Yes. It is a free guide from EverGrain Built. Our role is to educate homeowners and help match them with experienced green custom-home builders if they want that help.
Do I need to know these terms before talking to a builder?
No. You do not need to be an expert. The cheat sheet simply helps you understand the basics so you can ask clearer questions and compare answers with more confidence.
Will this tell me the exact specs my home needs?
No. Good targets depend on your climate, site, design, budget, and goals. Use the sheet to understand the language, then ask a licensed builder or design professional to confirm the right scope and price in writing.
Can EverGrain Built tell me which builder to hire?
We can help you compare experienced builders through our free matching service, but you make the final choice. Always review experience, scope, pricing, timeline, and contract terms carefully before hiring.