HERS Index: A Benchmark for Energy Efficiency

The HERS Index, developed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), is the gold standard for measuring a home's energy efficiency. This scoring system provides homeowners and builders with an easy-to-understand metric for evaluating and comparing energy performance.

What is the HERS Index?

The HERS Index measures how energy efficient a home is compared to a reference home built to the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. The scale works as follows:

  • HERS Index of 100: Matches the energy efficiency of the reference home.

  • HERS Index Below 100: Indicates a home that is more energy efficient than the reference home. For instance, a score of 70 means the home is 30% more efficient.

  • HERS Index of 0: Represents a net-zero home, where renewable energy generation (e.g., solar panels) offsets all energy consumption.

Each point reduction on the HERS Index corresponds to a 1% improvement in energy efficiency and a 1% reduction in energy consumption. Homes with a lower HERS Index not only reduce energy usage but also lower monthly utility costs, contributing to long-term savings.

Energy Rating Guide: A Powerful Tool for Homeowners

The Building Energy Rating Guide, created after a HERS rating, provides homeowners with a comprehensive overview of their home’s energy performance. This guide functions like an MPG rating for cars, offering valuable insights into energy consumption and efficiency.

What Does the Guide Include?

  1. Building Rating Scale

    • Compares the energy efficiency of the rated home to the HERS reference home.

  2. Energy Breakdown

    • A bar chart detailing the key sources of energy costs, allowing homeowners to understand where improvements can be made.

  3. HERS Index and Star Level

    • Showcases the home’s overall performance, with a 5-Star+ rating being the highest level of efficiency.

  4. Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) Qualification

    • Indicates if the home qualifies for an EEM, which provides financing advantages for energy-efficient properties.

Benefits of the Energy Rating Guide

  • Increased Marketability: A low HERS Index sets a home apart in the real estate market by highlighting its superior energy efficiency.

  • Lower Ownership Costs: Energy-efficient homes are less expensive to operate, reducing the overall cost of ownership.

  • Eco-Friendly Appeal: Demonstrates a commitment to sustainable living, making the property attractive to environmentally conscious buyers.

Why the HERS Index Matters

Investing in energy efficiency through a low HERS Index delivers benefits that go beyond cost savings:

  • Environmental Impact: Reduced energy consumption lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Home Value: Energy-efficient features and certifications increase property value and desirability.

  • Energy Independence: Renewable energy integration, as represented by a HERS Index of 0, reduces reliance on traditional energy sources.

Get Your Home Rated

Partner with Two Trails to achieve a HERS rating that maximizes your home’s energy efficiency and market appeal. Our team of experts provides comprehensive testing and certification services, ensuring your property meets and exceeds energy efficiency standards.

Contact us today to learn more about the HERS Index and how it can transform your home into a model of sustainability and cost savings.