HERS Rating
A HERS Rating is the nationally-recognized method for measuring a building’s energy efficiency. This rating must be done by a certified professional, a Certified Home Energy Rating System Rater (HERS Rater). It is required for participation in most energy labeling programs and is also sometimes required by local building codes or sponsors, but any building can be rated and there are a lot of great reasons to do so!
A rating can tell you a lot about the home you live in, like how efficiently its operating and where modifications can be made to achieve greater energy savings and improve occupant comfort and health. If you are selling your home, a low HERS Index Score can result in higher resale value. Iif you are buying a home, you can determine the need for energy-related upgrades and pinpoint operating costs. If you are building a home, a projected rating can be established from the plans, which will give you some idea of how energy-efficient it will be, and allow you to modify the plans if needed, to adjust efficiency to the desired level prior to starting construction. To calculate a building’s HERS Index Score, a certified RESNET HERS Rater uses information from construction plans, on-site inspections and testing to gather details such as:
- All exterior walls (both above and below grade)
- Floors over unconditioned spaces (like garages)
- Ceilings and roofs
- Attics, foundations and crawlspaces
- Insulation
- Windows and doors
- Building shell and duct tightness (through testing)
- HVAC systems, vents, ductwork, and thermostats
- Water heating systems.
The information is put into a computer model, which simulates energy performance and generates a rating score. Rating scores are evaluated using the HERS Index. Click here to learn more about HERS Ratings: www.resnet.us
RESNET HERS Index
The HERS Index is the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured. The lower the number, the more energy-efficient the building is. A building using no net purchased energy would have a score of 0. The HERS Index allows for different climatic conditions, being bench marked according to the average household energy consumption particular to a given region of the country. The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that a typical resale home scores 130 on the HERS Index, while a standard new home is given a rating of 100. For energy labeling programs, the HERS rating score must fall within a certain range of values for the building to qualify for the label, thus validating its energy performance.
The staff at Green River are experienced RESNET Certified HERS Raters.
Call or email us today to schedule an appointment to conduct a rating!