Tools
We developed the following tools to simplify energy efficiency decision-making for businesses, industries and individuals. These products were developed with public agency funding so they are available for free. WSU Energy Program staff maintains these tools although they are featured on other organizations' websites.
Software
Airmaster+
Airmaster+ helps users analyze energy use and savings opportunities in industrial compressed air systems. Use AIRMaster+ to baseline existing and model future system operations improvements, and evaluate energy and dollar savings from many energy efficiency measures. AIRMaster+ provides a systematic approach to assess compressed air systems, analyze collected data, and report results. Download the software or learn more. For assistance with this and other U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) software tools, contact the EERE Information Center. DOE Disclaimer notice
MotorMaster+
MotorMaster+ is a free online National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Premium® efficiency motor selection and management tool that supports motor and motor systems planning by identifying the most efficient action for a given repair or motor purchase decision. The tool includes a catalog of more than 20,000 low-voltage induction motors, and features motor inventory management tools, maintenance log tracking, efficiency analysis, savings evaluation, energy accounting, and environmental reporting capabilities. Download the software or learn more. For assistance with this and other DOE software tools, contact the EERE Information Center. DOE Disclaimer notice
MotorMaster+ International
The software allows plants to manage a motor inventory and make cost-effective decisions when repairing and replacing motor systems. In addition to English, this tool is now also available in Spanish, French, and simplified and traditional Chinese. This software allows various currencies, standards and cost defaults for applicable countries. WSU Energy Program staff developed the software for the U.S. DOE, with sponsorship from Natural Resources Canada, Corporacion Nacional del Cobre de Chile (Codelco), European Community - JRC, UK Action Energy (Carbon Trust), and the International Copper Association. Download the software or learn more. For assistance with this and other DOE software tools, contact the EERE Information Center. DOE Disclaimer notice
Online Resources
Air Conditioning Cost Calculator
The Air Conditioning Cost Calculator compares the energy use and cost of different types of residential cooling systems. Using the map and drop down boxes, choose the criteria pertinent to your application. You will need to know your electricity cost and the size (tons or BTUs) of the equipment you are comparing.
Commercial Building Audit Checksheets
Commercial Building Audit Checksheets assure comparable audits are performed, no matter who does the audit. These modifiable checksheets are intended to be used with Portfolio Manager, a free ENERGY STAR resource. Using the Microsoft Excel platform, the checksheets include:
- Pre-audit summary
- Envelope
- Lighting & power
- Mechanical
- Miscellaneous (kitchens, swimming pools, scheduling)
- Hydronic
- Renewable
- Building performance walk-through assessment
The “Useful Links” tab supplies complementary documents such as boiler site assessment guidance, metering site assessment guidance, and motors data collection sheet.
Energy Solutions Database
Thousands of useful energy efficiency resources have been selected by our engineers, analysts and librarians. The Energy Solutions Database is a great resource for homeowners, students, and energy professionals seeking technical information. Search by sector, topic or keywords to find case studies, reports, factsheets, programs, software, organizations, multimedia, or codes and standards.
Heating System Cost Calculator
This online tool compares the energy use and cost of an existing heating system versus a new heating system. Visit the Heating System Cost Calculator and choose from a list of common systems and fuel sources, and see how the various systems perform in your climate zone.
Pumping System Efficiency Calculator
The Pumping System Efficiency Calculator can be used to determine the overall "wire-to-water" efficiency of your pumping plant and to determine the mechanical efficiency of an electric motor-driven centrifugal pump served by a three-phase power supply. Efficiency tests assist pumping plant operators to identify inefficient systems, schedule pumps, determine energy efficiency improvement measures, and estimate potential energy savings.
RELCOST Financial Model
This Microsoft Excel spreadsheet template is used to evaluate the financial viability of energy projects. RELCOST evaluates minimum power sales or carbon offset price, the optimum mix of equity and capital to attract investors, or sensitivity to incentives. Three methods of evaluating financial performance are provided by RELCOST: life cycle cost analysis, proforma statements, and financial ratios. Download RELCOST, the user manual or examples related to combined heat and power or anaerobic digesters.
Swimming Pool Energy Loss Calculator
This Microsoft Excel spreadsheet calculates heating and dehumidification costs due to evaporation from a swimming pool. The calculations take into account activity level, air and water properties, dehumidifier energy and more. Open the spreadsheet.
Washington State Energy Legislation Tracking Tool
The WSU Energy Library provides the Energy Legislation Tracking Tool to record the current status of energy bills in the Washington State Legislature. Archives to 2005 are available.