The process of evaluating a home’s energy efficiency is measured by the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index, which is the national standard used to calculate energy efficiency.
The HERS index score is determined by a professional energy rater who conducts a detailed analysis of the home’s energy consumption.
What Occurs During a HERS Inspection?
During a HERS inspection, a professional energy rater collects specific data, including the year the home was built, its square footage, types of walls and flooring, and the condition of its foundation. The energy rater may test the home for “tightness” by performing a blower door test, which measures how well the home holds pressure.
The energy rater will also look at the following:
- The roof and ceilings
- Doors, windows, and exterior walls
- Vents and ductwork
- The thermostat and HVAC systems
- Water heating systems
How is the HERS Score Calculated?
When the energy rater calculates the HERS score, they will consider energy consumption, including energy used for lighting, appliances, as well as water heating. The energy rater then puts all this data into a computer program that analyses it. The report gives an overall assessment of energy usage and provides the HERS score. The HERS index score ranges from 0 to 150, with 100 being the baseline. A new construction must rate at 100 or below to meet current building code standards. If a home has a HERS rating of zero it means that no net energy is being used. For this to happen, a home must have some form of solar energy.
The Benefit of Knowing Your HERS Rating
For homeowners, knowing your home’s HERS rating gives you an idea of where you can save money on your energy bills. For homebuyers, the HERS rating will provide you with information about monthly energy bills and maintenance so you can determine whether or not you can afford the home. It can also be useful when comparing different homes on the market. For example, if you equally like two houses, the one with the lower HERS rating might be the better choice for your wallet.
Radiant Drywall & Insulation Can Help With the Home Energy Rating System
At Radiant Drywall & Insulation, we comply with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) so that every home we rate meets its energy efficiency requirements. As certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) raters, we are qualified to evaluate and measure your home’s energy efficiency and assess the architectural plans to calculate a projected HERS index score for your home. Our team of experts will take the time to examine the entirety of the home’s structure to pinpoint where energy loss is occurring. Using this data, we will then provide a comprehensive report with the information and find cost-efficient ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency.
Our professionalism and time efficiency will help make your HERS rating process go as seamless as possible. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
