The amount of money a home owner spends on utility costs to operate their house can have a significant impact on their monthly budgets. Having a Home Energy Rating done on the home can help home owners figure out how efficient their homes are, and prepare for higher or lower costs than expected. There are 2 different types of processes to help home owners understand the efficiency of their energy usage in their homes.
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) developed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) tallies a score based on an index where the lower the number, the more efficient the house. Using blower door testing and duct leakage tests, a HERS Rater compares the home being tested, to a reference home (a model home that is the same type, size, and shape) to base the score.
The HERS scale ranges from 0-100 with the average HERS score for a new home being 40. A home ranking 0 is considered a Net-Zero home, meaning it produces as much energy as it uses. A home compliant with the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) would have a score of 100. To compare, the average home with a score of 40 is 60% more efficient than the 2006 IECC-compliant home.
The Home Energy Score (HES) was developed by the Department of Energy (DOE) and is another way to estimate a home’s energy usage. While the HERS scale is usually used for new homes, the HES scale is used for existing homes. The HES scale ranges from 1-10, with a higher score indicating a more energy efficient home. However, the HES estimates a home’s total energy use, not usage per square foot so larger homes tend to score lower. Using an assessor gathering around 50 data points like insulation grade, window type, and information on the heating/cooling system, the HES score is a gauge on how much energy the home might use.
The HES can be a great way to get an idea of a home-energy usage, which can help as a home owner prepares for a mortgage. Because it indicates how energy efficient a home is, the lender could be more inclined to allow for a larger mortgage, knowing the owner is expected to have lower utility costs.
Although the HES is a low-cost and reliable way to get an idea of a home’s energy usage, it cannot be used to comply with the IECC. The Energy Rating Index (ERI) is used as a performance path to comply with the IECC. The HERS Index can be used for this performance path, so while more expensive than HES, it can be advantageous to builders in order to comply with the IECC.
Information Curated from nahbnow.com
Latest News & Upcoming Events
RESNET Releases 2023 Statistical Abstract “Trends in HERS Rated Homes”
Trends in HERS Rated Homes Each year, RESNET® examines the trends among homes that have received a HERS® rating. A statistical abstract of homes rated for HERS® by RESNET® in 2022 was released in the document entitled, “Trends in HERS Rated Homes – A Statistical...
Utah Energy Conservation Coalition Energy Rated Homes of Utah Earns 2023 Energy Star Market Leader Award
Utah Energy Conservation Coalition / Energy Rated Homes of Utah Earns 2023 ENERGY STAR® Market Leader Award UECC/ERHU is proud to announce that it has earned a 2023 ENERGY STAR® Market Leader Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in...
Updates to Amendments and 2021 Building Codes: What Does This Mean for You?
On August 10, 2022, Utah’s Uniform Building Code Commission held a public hearing, in which more than 60 people gathered online and in person for, to go over the proposed amendments and updates to 2021 building codes. The amendments and updates were made in...
Combining Home Energy Ratings with Real Estate Listings Will Lead Home Buyers to Better Choices
During a recent study, home buyers have indicated that home energy scores are becoming a high priority when determining whether to buy a home, however, sellers aren’t including that information in the listings. As of today, only Portland, Oregon requires home...
Utah Named Most Energy Efficient State
Utah Named Most Energy Efficienct State A study was recently published by WalletHub that takes a closer look at energy efficiency throughout the U.S. The results show the rankings of states according to their home and auto efficiency, and Utah ranked first overall in...
Layton Man Builds Energy-Efficient Home
See the full article here: https://bit.ly/laytonenergyhomefacebookinstagramtwitterlinkedinUpcoming Events Feb 2020 Feb 2020 RESNET Conference The RESNET Building Performance Conference provides a diverse and dynamic venue where you can obtain usable solutions in an...
Upcoming Events
19
Nov 2019
Greenbuild Atlanta
Greenbuild 2019 will take place in Atlanta, Georgia. Greenbuild offers a forum for the green building community to unite, change lives, revolutionize business and address pressing issues. Attend Greenbuild to hear from leaders on their vision about the future of green building, learn about current research and best practices, connect with sustainability experts, and see innovative technologies and products to take your projects to the next level. More Details
24
Feb 2020
RESNET Conference
The RESNET Building Performance Conference provides a diverse and dynamic venue where you can obtain usable solutions in an evolving industry. Get up to date on strategic solutions for you and your business, network with like-minded professionals, and take home fresh information and for the home performance industry. More Details
Give Today
$5
$10
$50
$250
$500
Other