Last week, while attending a continuing education class, I along with the other attendees saw on a listing the classification for a HERS Index. One student in the class asked, what is a HERS Index? No one was able to answer the question. As is usually, when a question like this arises there will be research done and a blog post to follow that answers the question. This is no exception.
After doing a Google search, the first site that I visited in my quest for information on a HERS Index/Rating was the Energy Star site. What I found was that a HERS rating is a scoring system that involves an analysis of a homes construction plans along with on site inspections and testing. Upon review of the plans the “Energy Rater” uses an energy efficiency software package to analyze the design of the home. The Rater will then make recommendations to the builder that will identify energy efficiency improvements that will ensure that the home will meet Energy Star performance guidelines.
Onsite inspections are made by the “Energy Rater” along with the input from the original plan review are used to generate the HERS Index. The on site inspections typically include a blower door test that tests for leaks in the house and a duct test that test for leaks in the duct work.
So now we know what HERS stands for: Home Energy Rating System.
But What Do The Numbers Mean?
Based on the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code, a home built to these standards will have a Hers Index of 100. The lower the Hers Index the more energy efficient the home is. A 1 point decrease in the HERS Index equals a 1% saving in energy consumption compared to the standard. A home with a HERS Index of 85 would be 15% more efficient than the standard.
Who Does The Testing?
The second site that I went to while searching for information was the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) site. From their site we get the RESNET Mission Statement:
• The Residential Energy Services Network’s (RESNET®) mission is to ensure the success of the building energy performance certification industry, set the standards of quality, and increase the opportunity for ownership of high performance buildings.
Certified Rater’s must complete training by a RESNET Accredited Training provider and pass a test to be certified. After certification, the Raters then begin their work of examining plans and helping builders construct more energy efficient homes.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I had never heard of the HERS Index. But I am trying to live green, and energy savings are a really important part of that. I love that the index is so straightforward, that a “1 point decrease in the HERS Index equals a 1% saving in energy consumption.” Do you have any tips on what things can be done to increase a HERS Index score?
As far as your question…Do you have any tips on what things can be done to increase a HERS Index score?…Without actually having a HERS Rating performed on your home, there are several basic things you can do or have done that will help LOWER your HERS Rating.
1. Weatherstripping on all exterior openings
2. Increase attic insulation to an R-39 rating
3. If your HVAC Duct-work is not sealed with mastic have this done
4. Change out your light bulbs to more energy efficient ones
You stated that you have never heard of a HERS Index yet your name is linked to http://www.americanenergysolutinsinc.com. For some strange reason that does not provide me with a level of confidence in American Energy Solutions. Were you just hired to get them a link from a site with a related topic. Either way it doesn’t look too good does it? If you wanted a link you could have offered to write an informational post for the blog or even just ask to be added to the Vendors List.
I am actually in the process of searching for a qualified competent HERS Rater right now to joint my team of professionals who are providing Energy Efficient Mortgages to qualified buyers in the Northeast Metro Atlanta Market. I have the a Loan Officer that specializes in High Performance Lending of Specialty Products like an EEM and heaven only knows how many resale homes in the area need help with energy efficiency.
If American Energy Solutions is interested in talking with me regarding the HERS Rater I am looking for, please have them call me.