How do I read the rating?

Each 1-point decrease on the index is designed to correspond to a 1% reduction in energy consumption, compared to the baseline reference home (which has a score of 100).**

Example 1: A home scoring 70 on the HERS® Index is 30% more energy efficient than the reference home.

Example 2: According to RESNET®, the U.S. Department of Energy has determined a typical resale home has a HERS® rating of 130.*** That's 30% less energy efficient than the reference home. 

What can lower a home’s HERS® rating?

We make a point to offer features and options that help cut down on energy usage, reduce waste and create an efficient environment in your home. Some of these may include:

1. Efficient HVAC system designed to perform efficiently for each plan. More efficient HVAC equipment—such as up to 16 SEER air conditioning and mid- or high-efficiency furnaces—can also help lower the HERS® rating. Variable-speed ECM furnaces can also use less energy.
   Mechanically controlled ventilation helps promote better indoor air quality by providing a controlled amount of outdoor air. Dedicated ventilators can help lower the HERS® rating.
2. Advanced framing methods help reduce lumber used, increase effective insulation and reduce waste.
3. Effective insulation solutions help balance temperatures throughout the house for increased comfort. Quality installed insulation can help improve energy efficiency and lower the HERS® rating.
   Radiant barriers reduce summer heat gain and lower cooling costs by reflecting radiant solar heat that would otherwise be absorbed by the home.
   Interior air sealing helps separate a home's living space from the outdoors, reducing infiltration, drafts, dust and pollen while cutting down on loss of conditioned air. Reducing air leakage can help lower the HERS® rating.
4. Energy-efficient windows can affect a home's HERS® rating in a variety of ways. Low-emissivity coatings reflect infrared light to help keep heat inside in winter and outside in summer. A window's U-Factor measures how well it can keep heat from escaping a room, while its Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) expresses how well it can resist unwanted heat gain. Lower numbers mean less energy spent in heating and cooling.
5. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, typically using less energy without sacrificing comfort and convenience. High-efficiency tankless water heaters can help reduce the HERS® rating.
   High-efficiency lighting, such as LED and CFL lights, provide comparable light while using less energy, which can contribute to a lower HERS® score.
   Programmable thermostats allow the homeowner to reduce home heating and cooling requirements during times that the home is not occupied and at night.
   Energy-efficient appliances use less energy to perform the same function as standard appliances, leading to savings over the life of the device. Many appliances offered or available such as dishwashers, refrigerators, washers and dryers are also ENERGY STAR® qualified.
6. Solar power systems can reduce a home’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources and lower its HERS® rating by 20 points or more (based on a system size of 4 kW).

Where can I learn more?

Check out this video from RESNET(R), then head over to hersindex.com for additional articles and resources to help you understand this powerful informational tool.