Rise | We've Done the Research
How Can A High HERS Score Be Achieved?
To get the highest score possible new home buyers should consider an “energy smart builder.” The HERS website lists dozens of them. But the list is hardly inclusive. Buyers speaking to builders must express their desire for an energy-efficient home. Any builder can build a low HERS rated home with little effort - they can even attain net-zero!
How Does HERS Relate To Appliances?
Retailers display ENERGY STAR ratings of appliances prominently on yellow tags. Consumers can easily compare energy consumption between different models.
Refrigerators and dishwashers with ENERGY STAR ratings are 20% and 10% more efficient than the federal minimum energy efficiency standard, respectively. Washing machines with the ENERGY STAR rating consume 50% less water and 30% less energy than standard washing machines.
Higher efficiency can come with higher price tags, yet the higher cost can pay for itself in savings over the life of the appliances. The investment will be worth it since studies show heating and cooling represents 56 percent of the cost of operating a home.
How Does Insulation Affect the HERS Rating?
Insulation should also be a top priority for new or existing homeowners. Study the R-value of insulation, which measures resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. A talented contractor can help with determining which type of insulation performs best in different areas of a home.
Along with insulation, homeowners should check the exterior of homes for damage. Mold, mildew, termites, and structural rot all conspire to allow heat to escape and drive up energy costs. Fixing exteriors with proper roofing, sheathing, insulation, and cladding will help seal a home’s envelope while protecting it from the elements.
Does An HVAC System Affect the HERS Rating?
An efficient heating system and a proper mechanical ventilation system go a long way in lowering your energy usage. Insulating and sealing the home should be tackled first and typically provide for more significant gains. Insulating and air sealing at the outset and very liberally will also allow you to spec a smaller heating and cooling system for your home. Look for electric alternatives over gas, like air or ground source heat pumps - all-electric space and water heat pumps now give dwellings lower (better) HERS ratings.
Brett Little
Brett Little of GreenHome Institute. Brett helps empower people to make healthier and more sustainable choices in the places they live. He has been working full time for ten years in the residential green building space helping ensure 100’s of certified green projects and educating 1000’s more on sustainable construction topics. Brett is a LEED Accredited professional in HOMES / Green Rater / Faculty and a Certified GreenHome Professional. Brett is currently working on his own residential zero carbon home improvement project to show that anyone can go zero carbon on a limited budget or without a lot of knowledge. Stay tuned.
Frank Jossi
Based in St. Paul, Frank Jossi is a journalist, editor and content strategist. He covers clean energy in Minnesota for Midwest Energy News and writes frequently for Finance & Commerce. His work has appeared in more than 70 local, national and international publications.
