If you’ve been in the market for a new home, one of the terms that you may have come across is a HERS score or rating. But what exactly is a HERS rating and what does it tell you about a new home?
Defining HERS
HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System. The HERS Index is the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured. As a nationally recognized system, a HERS rating can be one of the most effective ways to identify an energy efficient home. HERS ratings are determined by a third-party certified home energy rater who assesses the energy efficiency of the home and assigns it a relative performance score. Many factors go into that evaluation including a top to bottom inspection of all exterior walls both above and below grade, floors over unconditioned spaces like garages or basements, ceiling and roof, attic, foundation, crawlspace, windows and doors, vents and ductwork, HVAC systems and water heating systems.
What Is a Good HERS Rating
The HERS rating is a relative performance score that compares each home to a reference standard based on a model of the same size and shape. The lower the number, the more energy efficient the home. So, a standard new home that meets current code requirements is assigned a HERS index score of 100. All other scores on the scale are a relative comparison to this reference mark. For example, a typical resale home scores a 130 on the HERS Index – meaning it is 30% less energy efficient than the standard new home. In contrast, a home with a HERS index score of 70 is 30% more efficient than the standard new home. So, a lower HERS rating means a home that is more efficient, comfortable and affordable to own and operate.
Brightwater Outperforms Standard
Brightwater’s commitment to building more efficient, healthier homes means that our teams have aggressively pursued improvements in energy efficiency in all of our new homes from initial design throughout the construction process to move-in day. The typical Brightwater home scores around a 50 on the HERS index – meaning on average a Brightwater home is 50% more efficient than the standard new home. And when it comes to the bottom line, that can mean anywhere from $1500 to $3500 in utility cost savings each year for the homeowner.
Every new Brightwater home and neighborhood is unique but each one shares the passion and commitment of the Brightwater team to create the very best new homes that are more efficient, healthier and built responsibly with a true respect for the environment. Learn more about Brightwater’s commitment to sustainability and the new home features and details that drive the performance of our homes here, and remember living green is living brightly!