i

HOME :: ABOUT US :: CAREERS :: EDGE ENERGY BLOG :: CONTACT USG2I
hh

REALTORS and BUILDERS
   

Home Energy Rating System (HERS):

At EDGE Energy, we are a proud partner of ENERGY STAR.

We provide home rating (HERS) services to qualify new and existing homes for the ENERGY STAR label.

These homes are good for businesses, consumers, and the environment. Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified new homes here or at www.energystar.gov

Attention Builders - gives us a call and we'll come by and provide you with all the details about becoming an ENERGY STAR Builder.

A HERS rating will tell you what to expect in annual energy costs. it will give you information concerning your heating and cooling costs, hot water costs, and much more. Additionally, you may qualify for an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) which will give you more buying power and potentially better terms. Checkout our Home Buyers Resources, we've got lots of good information that show you how to save money. Besides you'll be helping the environment at the same time.

Buying a New Home? Look For The ENERGY STAR Label!

ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 30% more energy-efficient than homes built to the national energy code. Even in states with more rigorous energy codes, the U.S.

EPA ensures that ENERGY STAR remains the symbol for truly energy-efficient performance. EDGE Energy works with ENEGY STAR Builders to verify and test new construction homes from start to finish.

An ENERGY STAR Builder will be able to provide you with a certified HERS Rating and EEM documentation.

The HERS Index

The HERS Index is a scoring system established by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) in which a home built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home (based on the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code) scores a HERS Index of 100, while a net zero energy home scores a HERS Index of 0. The lower a home’s HERS Index, the more energy efficient it is in comparison to the HERS Reference Home.

Each 1-point decrease in the HERS Index corresponds to a 1% reduction in energy consumption compared to the HERS Reference Home. Thus a home with a HERS Index of 85 is 15% more energy efficient than the HERS Reference Home and a home with a HERS Index of 80 is 20% more energy efficient.

Comparing the New HERS Index with the Old HERS Score

For homes rated before July 1, 2006, the rating score is known as a “HERS Score.” The HERS Score is a system in which a home built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home (based on the 1993 Model Energy Code) has a HERS Score of 80. Unlike the HERS Index, each 1-point increase in a HERS Score is equivalent to a 5% increase in energy efficiency. Please see the table below for a comparison of the HERS Score and the HERS Index.

HERS Score HERS Index
Reference Home Score Reference Home is assigned a HERS Score of 80 Reference Home is assigned a HERS Index of 100, while a net zero energy home is assigned a HERS Index of 0
Reference Home Basis 1993 Model Energy Code (MEC) 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
Scale Each 5% increase in energy efficiency corresponds to a 1-point increase in HERS Score Each 1% increase in energy efficiency corresponds to a 1-point decrease in HERS Index
Energy Use Considered Heating, cooling, and water heating Heating, cooling, water heating, lighting, appliances, and onsite power generation*
ENERGY STAR Requirement HERS Score 86 HERS Index of 85 in climate zones 1–5
HERS Index of 80 in climate zones 6–8
Status Phasing out Approved by the RESNET Board of Directors. To be implemented as of July 1, 2006.

 

Energy efficient choices can save families up to 30% on their energy bills, and will show similar reductions on yearly greenhouse gas emissions - all without sacrificing features, style, or comfort.

EDGE Energy can help builders make energy efficient choices, design changes, and provide them testing to qualify for a new home's Energy Star Label.

 

EnergyStar labeled homes offer more home, for less money, than standard homes. These homes use reliable and established technologies and building practices to operate 30% more efficiently than homes built simply to local building code.

These technologies and practices save the owners of an EnergyStar home money on their utility bills, while also providing a home that's more comfortable, more durable, good for the environment, and cheaper to own.

Realtors and LO's can use a HERS Rating to help borrowers apply for EEMs and IRS tax credits.

In some cases, the Rating can be subsidized by your local utility company, mortgage lenders, or listing agents.

 

To gain a competitive edge, many homes are performing their Energy Audits before an upcoming sale. The Audit is cheaper than a full Rating, but can still identify a comprehensive list of cost-effective energy improvements. Please contact our staff if you would like more information about Audits vs. Rating.

Home :: Home Energy Solutions :: About Us :: Testimonials :: Financing :: Request an Estimate
EDGE Energy is a division of
Equity Development and Growth Entreprises, Corp