Understanding Home Energy Efficiency Ratings

In this day and age, energy efficiency is more important than ever. Building codes have grown stricter with the goal to reduce energy consumption, stimulate sustainability, and increase long-term savings. We needed a way to standardize these code requirements, which is why different energy efficiency ratings have been developed over recent years. But with so many ratings and certifications— like HERS, ENERGY STAR, DOE Zero Energy Ready Home, and the newer ENERGY STAR NextGen— understanding what each one means can get confusing! In this article, we will compare and contrast each of the primary energy ratings systems to help clear things up.

HERS Ratings

This is one of the flagship energy services that we offer at Scott Home Services. Developed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) is a scoring system that measures the energy efficiency of a home. This is nationally recognized method to meet IECC energy code standards in many municipalities.

During the HERS rating process, the home is assessed based on a list of criteria including:

• Insulation Levels
• HVAC Systems
• Windows and Doors
• Ductwork
• Air leakage (Blower Door Test)
• Water heating
• Solar/renewable energy use (if applicable)

A certified home rater performs a full energy rating on the home by analyzing aspects listed above using a specialized software. The results of the data analysis are compared against a “reference home,” and a resulting HERS score is created.  A lower score means the home is more comfortable and energy-efficient. So the lower the score, the better.

Image sourced from: https://www.hersindex.com

ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is a program implemented by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an initiative to “protect the environment, improve air quality, and protect public health.”

Image sourced from: https://www.energystar.gov

In order to be branded with that recognizable blue logo, a home must be evaluated by a certified ENERGY STAR rater. A HERS evaluation is included as part of the qualification process. The home must meet a predetermined HERS score (based on several factors like climate zone, house size, etc.), and also meet strict standards for:

• High- performance insulation, doors and windows
• Efficient HVAC systems and ducts
• Proper air sealing and ventilation
• Energy Star-rated lighting and appliances

DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (DOE ZERH)

DOE ZERH, which was established by the US Department of Energy, is a type of certification that signifies an extremely high performance home. This is meant to build upon the already stringent ENERGY STAR rating.

Image sourced from: https://basc.pnnl.gov

The difference is that these homes must either have solar installed to meet net zero energy usage, or have solar-ready infrastructure installed to be able to reach net-zero energy usage. Additionally they must have a stricter focus on indoor air quality, utilizing the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS guidelines.

Indoor airPLUS is a program designed to “improve the quality of indoor air by outlining construction practices and product specifications that help minimize exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants.” Learn more about it here.

With all of these sustainable features in place, the house should have the infrastructure in place to offset most, if not all, of its energy usage with photo-voltaic solar. If the homeowner opts to install the solar needed, the house can achieve net-zero energy usage (or close to it), hence the name of the certification.

ENERGY STAR NextGen

Just when you thought a home couldn’t get any more energy efficient, out rolls the ENERGY STAR NextGen program in 2024. This is the strictest of all the energy efficiency ratings. It incorporates all the standards of the ENERGY STAR, but also emphasizes a focus on electrification, decarbonization, and grid-interactive technologies. Requirements include:

• High-efficiency electric heating and cooling
• Electric water heating
• Wiring for electric vehicle charging
• Induction cooking technology
• High indoor air quality
• Solar readiness
• Smart grid capabilities (for demand-response and time-of-use optimization)

This process can certainly be costly for the homeowner and difficult for the contractors while building . However, the end product can prove to have multiple benefits such as significantly lower energy bills, smaller. carbon footprint, improved indoor air quality, reduced noise, and even increased resale value!

Check out the table below 👇 to see how each of the energy efficiency ratings differs.

Need Energy Services?

Whether you need to meet your local building minimum code requirements, or you are striving for an ENERGY STAR NextGen certification, you’ve come to the right place! Because all 4 of the energy efficiency ratings discussed above are structured on the HERS ratings – a service we offer!

We can help you with virtually every step in the process. We proudly offer a whole list of energy services – including HERS Testing (projected, mid-construction and final), Blower Door Testing, Insulation Inspections, Air Barrier Inspections and Duct Leakage Testing – to help you reach whatever energy goals you may have.

Furthermore, our Energy raters are also ENERGY STAR certified. So if you are striving to meet the ENERGY STAR, DOE ZERH, or ENERGY STAR NextGen qualifications, our specialists can aid in evaluation and verification.

Have Any Questions?  Feel free to give us a call to talk to one of our energy experts.

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