Home Energy Rating

energy audits ratings review Colorado Boulder Denver

As a Certified Home Energy Rater, Scott Home Inspection can perform full energy ratings on new homes for builders and home buyers, to verify the energy performance of the home.

What is a HERS Rating?

A Home Energy Rating, performed by a Certified HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Rater, consists of a full visual analysis of the energy-related components and aspects of the home, along with energy performance testing of air infiltration with a device called a "blower door". A blower door slightly de-pressurizes the home and determines the amount of air leakage present. 

The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) sets the national standards of quality for measuring the energy efficiency of a home. The RESNET rating standard utilizes a relative energy use index, the RESNET HERS Index. This performance index applies to new and existing homes. The RESNET standard measures the energy uses of a home including heating, cooling, water heating, insulation, windows/doors, lighting and appliances.

A HERS Index of “100” represents the energy use of a new “American Standard Home” that meets the performance requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code. An index of “0” indicates that the building uses no purchased energy (net zero building). The HERS Index is a linear metric where every percentage that a building’s energy use is reduced represents a decreased point reduction on the index. 

RESNET; Establishes rules for the energy rating industry

In 1995 RESNET was founded to develop a national market for home energy ratings and energy efficient mortgages.  One main goal of RESNET was the development of standards for quality of rating services.  The standards set the national procedures for home energy ratings, and include testing and accreditation for raters and providers, development of verification processes for homes meeting ENERGY STAR® and energy efficient building standards, as well as meeting local Energy Code compliance.

The home is compared to a hypothetical reference home which is based on the IECC 2004, and the home is then provided with a rating.  The rating can be a numerical HERS rating or a ‘star’ rating based upon ENERGY STAR® requirements. 

A certified HERS Rater follows a prescribed standard for how a home is measured, verified and rated, and must comply with national standards to continue to perform certified ratings.

Contact Scott Home Inspection for all your energy rating needs!