15 Sep What is a Home Energy Rating?
Based on the home’s construction plans, a Home Energy Rating is performed using an energy efficiency software package which yields a projected, pre-construction HERS Index.
Upon completion of this analysis, a Home Energy rater will work with the builder to identify the energy efficiency improvements needed to ensure the house will meet ENERGY STAR performance guidelines. The rater typically conducts onsite inspections and uses the results of various tests to generate the HERS Index for the home.
A home energy rating is a recognized tool in the mortgage industry, as it quantifies the energy performance of a home.
The HERS Index
The HERS Index is a scoring system established by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) in which a home built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home scores a HERS Index of 100.
Each 1-point decrease in the HERS Index corresponds to a 1% reduction in energy consumption compared to the HERS Reference Home.
Why should builders choose to build ENERGY STAR homes?
- Homebuyers will save money every month and have a more comfortable and safer home.
- Homeowners’ requests to save energy have become high demand. Some buyers will even use projected energy savings to pay for high-end upgrades.
- Protect the environment, and openly promote that as part of your brand.
- As an Energy Star builder EPA allows you to use their produced marketing and technical resources at no cost.
What things do you consider when choosing whether or not to build an Energy Star home?
