RESNET HERS Ratings
Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Ratings analyze whole-house energy usage for new and existing homes. These ratings can be used to compare the relative energy usage of two homes when purchasing, or to verify the efficiency of a design when building.
Benefits of the RESNET HERS Rating system:
RESNET (The Residential Energy Services Network) developed the HERS Rating system in 2006 to meet the growing demand for a way to compare the energy use of homes. HERS Ratings compare your home to a 'Reference Home' that has the exact same size and shape. In this manner, houses of different sizes and shapes can be compared via their HERS Rating scores to give a relative picture of their energy efficiency. The 'Reference Home' has a score of 100 and is roughly the score a new 'code-built' home would receive. The typical existing home has a HERS rating of 130. Most of the Energy Star homes certified by Energy Auditors receive scores in the 50's and 60's. A house with a score of 130 would use approximately 30% more energy than the 'Reference Home,' while a house with a score of 70 would use approximately 30% less energy. According to RESNET, "The HERS Index Score can be described as a sort of miles-per-gallon (MPG) sticker for houses, giving prospective buyers and homeowners an insight as to how the home ranks in terms of energy efficiency."
For Homeowners:
Energy costs have been steadily increasing for homeowners over the past few years. As a result, more homeowners are looking for ways to save money and live efficiently. HERS Rated homes measure the energy usage of the whole-house, looking at the geometry, construction, insulation levels, air leakage (measured with a Blower Door Test), Duct Leakage (measured with a Duct Leakage Test), windows, doors, appliances, HVAC systems, lighting, etc. These individual items working together as a system all affect your home energy usage, and a HERS rating can give you the true "MPG" of your home. HERS Raters are also equipped to make recommendations for reducing your energy usage.
How do HERS Ratings help homeowners?
For Builders:
RESNET HERS Rated homes help builders to set themselves apart from their competition. Standard homes that are built to the "code" are built to a minimum standard, not to a higher standard. As one professional aptly said, "Congratulations. You built a house to meet code. You get a D-minus." Some of the benefits of HERS Ratings for builders are:
Builders can read more about PP&L New Homes rebate program here.
Builders can read more about First Energy/Met-Ed New Homes rebate program here.
Builders can read more about PECO New Homes rebate program here.
RESNET (The Residential Energy Services Network) developed the HERS Rating system in 2006 to meet the growing demand for a way to compare the energy use of homes. HERS Ratings compare your home to a 'Reference Home' that has the exact same size and shape. In this manner, houses of different sizes and shapes can be compared via their HERS Rating scores to give a relative picture of their energy efficiency. The 'Reference Home' has a score of 100 and is roughly the score a new 'code-built' home would receive. The typical existing home has a HERS rating of 130. Most of the Energy Star homes certified by Energy Auditors receive scores in the 50's and 60's. A house with a score of 130 would use approximately 30% more energy than the 'Reference Home,' while a house with a score of 70 would use approximately 30% less energy. According to RESNET, "The HERS Index Score can be described as a sort of miles-per-gallon (MPG) sticker for houses, giving prospective buyers and homeowners an insight as to how the home ranks in terms of energy efficiency."
For Homeowners:
Energy costs have been steadily increasing for homeowners over the past few years. As a result, more homeowners are looking for ways to save money and live efficiently. HERS Rated homes measure the energy usage of the whole-house, looking at the geometry, construction, insulation levels, air leakage (measured with a Blower Door Test), Duct Leakage (measured with a Duct Leakage Test), windows, doors, appliances, HVAC systems, lighting, etc. These individual items working together as a system all affect your home energy usage, and a HERS rating can give you the true "MPG" of your home. HERS Raters are also equipped to make recommendations for reducing your energy usage.
How do HERS Ratings help homeowners?
- It gives a true representation of your home's efficiency relative to other homes.
- Knowing precisely how your home rates in different categories allows for more informed energy improvements.
- Energy efficiency improvements often result in a more comfortable home that is less drafty and more consistently at the temperature and humidity you desire.
- Energy efficient homes typical sell faster and for more money that unimproved homes.
For Builders:
RESNET HERS Rated homes help builders to set themselves apart from their competition. Standard homes that are built to the "code" are built to a minimum standard, not to a higher standard. As one professional aptly said, "Congratulations. You built a house to meet code. You get a D-minus." Some of the benefits of HERS Ratings for builders are:
- HERS Rated homes give market-differentiation and competitive advantage.
- Fewer call-backs due to increased quality inspections.
- HERS Rated homes give the home-buyer confidence and peace-of-mind about the builder's commitment to quality.
- HERS Rated homes sell faster and at higher prices than standard homes.
- Most energy companies in central Pennsylvania offer builder incentives for HERS Rated homes.
Builders can read more about PP&L New Homes rebate program here.
Builders can read more about First Energy/Met-Ed New Homes rebate program here.
Builders can read more about PECO New Homes rebate program here.
