How Is the HERS Rating Determined? 

First, a builder or homeowner must hire a HERS rater. These individuals are trained in the system and have access to software that helps develop ratings for their clients. They carry certifications and charge roughly $500 to $3,000 for their services. A search engine is available to locate raters in every state. 

The raters look at a variety of issues where leaks are causing problems. A process called thermographic imaging shows precisely which areas of homes are leaking energy. These areas include gaps in the wall and ceiling insulation and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) distribution systems. 

Leaks, of course, lead to higher energy bills. Even newly constructed homes can have poorly sealed doors, windows, and vents that bleed energy. A modest investment fixes leaks. 

Raters capture lots of details, including the condition of foundations, attics, and crawl spaces. Homes receive points for having sophisticated thermostats, heating, and cooling equipment. And appliances with high ENERGY STAR ratings from the EPA help lower HERS scores. 

HERS raters often work closely with builders and homeowners to create strategies for improving scores. They can suggest vulnerable areas in a home and how to make affordable improvements. The HERS score can be adjusted upward by tweaking different parts of a home to reflect energy efficiency improvements. Many state or municipal codes require similar home ratings after construction when it is too late to change anything. Why not hire the rater before construction to ensure you have the best-performing home for the most cost-effective way to do it.

How Does Insulation Affect the HERS Rating?

Insulation should also be a top priority for new or existing homeowners. Study the R-value of insulation, which measures resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. A talented contractor can help with determining which type of insulation performs best in different areas of a home.

Along with insulation, homeowners should check the exterior of homes for damage. Mold, mildew, termites, and structural rot all conspire to allow heat to escape and drive up energy costs. Fixing exteriors with proper roofing, sheathing, insulation, and cladding will help seal a home’s envelope while protecting it from the elements.

How Does Lighting Affect the HERS Rating?

Finally, lighting represents about twenty percent of a typical energy bill. An easy way to drop the cost is to use LEDs throughout a home. They last for years and consume a fraction of fluorescent or even compact fluorescent bulbs. LED prices have dropped considerably over the past five years, making their payback period typically below six months. They can even come with motion sensors built in them to save even more energy.