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If you’re a homeowner or selling your home, you’ve probably heard of the Home Energy Rating System (HERS). But what is it, and why does it matter?
HERS is a system used to rate the energy efficiency of homes. The HERS rating is important because it can impact the sale price of your home and how much you can expect to pay for homeowners insurance.
In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about HERS, from how it’s calculated to what it means for your home. So, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned seller, read on to learn more about this important system.
What Is the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index?
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is a rating system used to measure the energy efficiency of homes. RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) created the HERS Index in 2006 to create a standard for rating homes.
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How Do HERS Scores Work?
HERS scores are calculated by a certified RESNET Home Energy Rater. The assessment takes into account many factors, including:
- Insulation levels
- Air leakage
- Windows
- Heating and cooling systems
- Water heating
The HERS Index is calculated by taking the home’s energy use and dividing it by the national median for homes of the same size and climate. This number is then multiplied by 100 to get the home’s HERS score.
100 is the baseline score for the HERS Index. So, a home with a HERS score of 85 would be using 15% less energy than the national median. A home with a HERS score of 0 is the most energy-efficient, while a home with a score of 150 is the least energy-efficient.
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What Does a HERS Rating Say About a House?
A HERS rating is not an indication of a home’s quality or condition. It simply measures how energy-efficient the home is.
Energy and utility costs make up a large portion of the costs of homeownership. Therefore, a HERS rating can help you determine a home’s energy costs and what kind of improvements you may want to make to reduce your energy bill.
Why Is a HERS Score Important?
A HERS score is important because it can impact the sales price of your property.
In fact, energy efficiency can be a major selling point for a home. Many homebuyers are now looking for homes with lower HERS ratings to save money on utilities.
Homes with a HERS score of 100 or above can be eligible for the ENERGY STAR label. In addition, the ENERGY STAR label indicates that the home has met strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
Homeowners
HERS ratings help homeowners by providing a way to measure how energy-efficient their homes are. A HERS rating can also help you save money on your energy bills by showing you where your home could use improvement.
Buyers
When buying a home, you may want to consider how efficient it is. Energy efficiency can be an excellent indicator of recent updates and improvements.
A home with a low HERS score will be more energy-efficient and could save you money on your energy bills.
If energy consumption is a concern, knowing that your home is efficient can provide peace of mind as well as significant savings down the road.
Sellers
A HERS rating can be an important selling point if you’re selling your home. This will give buyers an idea of how much they can expect to save on energy costs and how efficient the home is.
It can also help boost your home’s sale price and show that you’ve taken significant steps to make improvements to the property.
Can a Good HERS Score Save You Money?
A good HERS score can absolutely save you money. In addition, as a homeowner, you may be eligible for incentives and rebates for making energy-efficient improvements to your home.
The best way to find out is to talk to a certified RESNET Home Energy Rater. They can help you understand how much money you could save by making energy-efficiency improvements and provide you with a list of available rebates and incentives.
How Do I Find a Certified HERS Rater?
The best way to find a certified HERS Rater is to visit the RESNET website. There, you can search for a certified rater in your area.
You can also verify RESNET Rating Field Inspectors (RFI) by accessing their National Registry.
Tips to Help You Prepare Your House for a HERS Rater
You can do many things to prepare your home for a HERS rater. Some tips include:
- Turn off all appliances when the home is being inspected
- Ensure that all windows and doors are closed and locked
- Remove excessive clutter in the home
- Set the thermostat to 68 degrees or below during the inspection
- Make sure the home is in good repair
What Is the Average HERS Score?
The average HERS score in 2021 was 58. This means that the average home is 42% more energy-efficient than the national median.
What Is a Good HERS Score?
A good HERS rating can depend on many variables, including the age of the home. A score of 100 for a new home is the baseline rating ensuring that the house was built to meet all current codes and requirements.
A score of 130 or less for an old home can be considered a good score because most older properties are not built to today’s energy-efficiency standards.
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Is a HERS Rating of 55 Good?
A home with a HERS rating of 55 is good. When it comes to energy efficiency based on 2021’s averages, a rating of 55 means the home outperforms most other properties.
Is a HERS Score of 60 Good?
A HERS score of 60 is not bad. However, based on today’s standards – the property is slightly below average in terms of energy efficiency.
Is a HERS Score of 0 Good?
0 is the best HERS score a home can achieve. This means the home is using zero net energy and is producing as much energy as it is consuming.
Is It Worth Getting a HERS Score?
In our opinion, the benefits of a HERS score certainly make it worth your while. Being proactive about your energy efficiency can save you money on your energy bills now and in the future.
It’s also a great way to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and could even increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell.
Bottom Line: Home Energy Rating System
To wrap things up, a HERS rating is a valuable tool that provides homeowners and buyers with an indication of how energy efficient a home is.
A HERS rating is the first place to start when it comes to making your home as energy-efficient as possible.
There are many benefits to getting a HERS score, including significant savings on utility bills. There are many things you should do to prepare your home for a HERS rating, especially if you’re looking to sell.
If you’re interested in getting a HERS score for your home, find a certified rater in your area to get started.
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