We could talk all day about the benefits of HERS testing—and we have in a previous post!
However, there’s more to understand when it comes to the HERS Index Score. It can tell you how efficiently your home’s operating its energy, areas that you can improve upon, and, by doing so, cost-saving measures that you can undertake. While it’s crucial, it can sometimes be confusing as to how it’s calculated.
Here’s what you need to know about the HERS Index Score!
What is the HERS Index Score?
The HERS Index Score stands for Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index. It is, essentially, a number grade that your home can receive, based upon a standard measurement of your home. (Which we’ll explain shortly.)
It operates under a system laid out by the U.S. Department of Energy, is made publicly available, and, as mentioned, informs prospective or current homeowners of a property’s energy efficiency.
The Index Score considerations
The HERS Index Score analyzes a number of factors. The energy rater will look at your home’s physical layout — namely all exterior walls, floors over garages or basements, the ceilings and roofs, and the window work. It also, of course, looks at how you use energy in your home, with A/C, HVAC, and other appliances.
How the HERS Index Score is calculated
The key to calculating a HERS Index Score is finding a certified Energy Star HERS Rater, who has extensive experience surveying a property to create a HERS Index Score. After analyzing the factors mentioned above, he or she will compare the score to what the U.S. DOE says should be a score for a house of that size, and age. By doing so, the bar is set for all scores.
If you’re looking for Energy Star HERS Raters you can trust, then look no further than Rick’s Energy Solutions. We have years of experience analyzing the energy plan of a variety of houses and are happy to get you on your way to acquiring this important data. Contact us today!