Sometimes referred to as a HERS program, a Home Energy Rating System is a controlled scoring process that is intended to rate the level of energy efficiency in a given house, apartment, and other type of home dwelling. The exact structure of the system may vary slightly, in that it takes into consideration the size of the space. At the same time, the basis or standard for the Home Energy Rating System program is derived from the standards and specifications set by organizations such as the Residential Energy Services Network, so the results are calculated in a uniform manner.
The Home Energy Rating System program will involve a physical inspection of the space. This will include checking on the condition of window casings and their security in relation to controlling the interior environment of the home. In like manner, door casings and the degree of proper fit with the door will be taken into consideration. Other factors such as the condition and integrity of the climate control system for the home, as well as test to determine the amount of leak found around the home will be included.
Essentially, all homes that undergo an inspection using Home Energy Rating System specifications will be rated according to the HERS Index. The index is a rating scale that moves from zero to one hundred, with the hundred mark being the reference home standard. This will mean that a home given a rating of 90 will be considered ten percent more energy efficient that the reference home, while a house that achieves a rating of zero would use no net purchased energy.
In most cases, conducting a Home Energy Rating System inspection will help the home owner immediately identify several issues that will save a great deal of money on heating and cooling the space. Often, these issues can be addressed and corrected with very little expense. The end result is lower utility bills and more free money in the budget.
