As energy efficiency becomes increasingly important, many homebuyers are searching for ways to properly evaluate a property’s energy performance. This makes the Home Energy Rating System (HERS®) a very valuable tool. Without it, you are gambling whether a new construction home will perform well or cost you more money in high energy bills.
Today, we will examine what a HERS rating means, how it is determined and the added benefits it delivers to Gateway homeowners.
About the HERS® Rating System
HERS is a standardized rating system established by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), an organization that promotes awareness of the benefits of home energy efficiency. An independent, third-party energy auditor assigns a home a HERS Index Score based on an extensive energy audit and assessment. Since 2006, when the HERS score was introduced, more than four million homes in the United States have been HERS rated.
The HERS score evaluates and measures a home’s energy performance with a focus on heating, cooling and total energy use. To earn a HERS score, the home must comply with mandatory standards for insulation, wall sealants and window sealing.
The HERS scale starts at 0 and ranges up to 150. A home with a HERS score of 0 indicates a Net Zero Energy Home, which means the home produces the same amount of energy it uses on an annual basis, resulting in a net energy bill of zero. Toward the other end of the scale, a high HERS rating indicates a home that is only built to the minimum standards of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
A new construction home with average compliance with the energy code typically earns a HERS score of 100. Older existing homes can receive a HERS score of 140 or higher, indicating that they consume more energy and generally result in greater energy costs. The average HERS score for a Gateway new construction home is only 54 (more about this later)!
How a HERS® Score Is Calculated
The HERS rating process begins with a certified auditor who conducts a detailed analysis of the home’s systems and features. He will evaluate the construction plan and visit the home at least twice: once after insulation is added to ensure proper installation and later, when the home is complete. During the second visit, the auditor will conduct a physical inspection and perform a blower door test to pinpoint air leaks and accurately assess a home’s energy efficiency.
In addition to the blower test, other specific tests may be used to complete the energy audit. These tests evaluate the following factors:
- Air leakage
- Insulation
- HVAC efficiency
- Windows
- Lighting
- Appliances
The end result is then compared to a reference home built to minimum energy code standards (with a baseline of 100) to determine the final HERS score. built to minimum energy code standards (with a baseline of 100) to establish the final HERS score.
What a Low HERS® Rating Means for Homeowners
Lower Operating Costs
Reduced energy consumption is the most obvious benefit of a home with a low HERS score. Homeowners save on utilities for the life of the home, thanks to energy-efficient features and upgrades implemented during construction.
Higher Property Value
A home with a lower HERS score often commands a higher resale value. Increasingly, buyers understand the importance of energy efficiency in a home that makes it not only cheaper to operate but also creates a more comfortable living environment with less draftiness and better air quality.
Environmental Impact
For homeowners who prioritize sustainability, less energy consumption means a home with a small carbon footprint and a contribution to the effort to slow climate change.
Energy Code Compliance
In some communities, a specific HERS score may be required for new construction. In addition, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA already require an appraiser to assess energy-efficient or green features. A HERS rating takes the guesswork out of this requirement.
How Gateway Homes Stack Up
Every Gateway home includes a third-party energy assessment and HERS rating, giving a homebuyer peace of mind that they will not be saddled with high energy costs after purchase. As a builder, the HERS system offers Gateway helpful insights into our products’ energy performance and how to make energy-conscious improvements. Over the years, we have worked to make value-added, energy-efficient features standard in each project we build. Some of these features include:
- R50 blown-in fiberglass attic insulation
- R21 exterior wall insulation
- R19 vinyl-backed basement insulation
- 96% UEF tankless water heater
- 96% AFUE gas furnace
- Attic ventilation system
- Nest Learning Thermostat
A quality construction process, combined with energy-efficient components, allows Gateway homes to consistently achieve an average HERS rating of 54. This means that the average Gateway home is 46% more energy-efficient than a typical new construction home! With lower energy costs, increased property value, better sustainability and code compliance, our homeowners enjoy many benefits from investing in new construction with a low HERS score.
Let Us Build Your Dream Home
Interested in learning more about building a Gateway home? As Cheyenne’s premier custom home builder, our team can design and build a home tailored to meet your needs and your desire for energy efficiency. We offer a selection of attractive floor plans that have proven to be popular with Wyoming homebuyers. If your favorite plan needs a bigger family room or a finished basement, we can modify it to your specifications! We can also design a completely custom home from scratch.
For more information, call us today at (307) 632-8950 or complete our online contact request form. You can stay connected with Gateway by following us on our social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. You can also check out the latest videos on our YouTube channel!