Surf the internet for about 3 seconds and you will probably see an ad asking you to click to find your credit score. If the cheesy animation doesn’t tempt you, then you’ve probably been wooed by the catchy tunes of FreeCreditReport.com. Seriously, if you’re a wise consumer you know what your credit score is. I’ve got a better question for you. What is your home’s energy score?
Numerous groups have recognized the fact that we can’t rely solely on the improved efficiency of our new construction to meet our goals for reducing energy consumption. There are simply too many existing buildings with plenty of life left but yet guzzle energy. Improving these buildings is good for everyone. Occupants utility bills are lower and comfort increases, businesses sell product and installers are hired. Oh, and less CO2 enters the atmosphere. There are non-profit groups weatherizing homes for those in need and tax credits are available to those that want to upgrade windows, insulation, etc. All of these improvements have short payback periods. But, if you are REALLY serious about improving your home’s energy efficiency (and like seeing cool gadgets) a RESNET energy audit is for you.
RESNET is a not-for-profit that establishes quality standards for rating the energy efficiency of buildings. RESNET standards are used for energy efficient mortgages(EEMs), the Federal Government’s tax credit program, determining which homes get an ENERGY STAR label, and by the DOE’s Building America Program.
RESNET uses their HERS rating system to score buildings on energy efficiency. A standard home built strictly to existing code is used as the baseline and given a score of 100. Then, based on calculations of insulation, windows, size, heating/cooling etc., the test home is compared to the baseline. A HERS rating is like golf, the lower the better. For example, an ENERGY STAR home must be rated at 85 or lower in our area (representing 15% more efficient than code) and my 1936 house would probably score 120 or higher.
The HERS rating is completed by a HERS rater. These are the people with the cool gadgets; thermographic cameras, smoke pencils, duct blasters, and blower doors. By using these tools, HERS raters can diagnose problem areas for your home; leaky windows, lack of insulation, poor duct work, etc. Right now the only HERS rater serving Harrisonburg is Benjamin Meredith of Building Knowledge (if there’s someone else out there, let me know and I’ll give you equal time). Mr. Meredith can test your home, explain the basics of home energy performance and describe the best options for improvements.
A HERS rating can be a powerful tool. Mortgage institutions can give you better loans if the house you are planning to buy has a good rating. Likewise, a good rating is a strong selling point. I have heard the suggestion that all homes should be rated (like a certified used car) to let the buyer know what they are purchasing. Additionally, imagine the scenario of residential buildings being included in a carbon cap and trade system. HERS ratings could be the basis for such a system and the economic and environmental benefits could be great.
So, consider a home energy audit and get your HERS rating. Also, expect RESNET standards to shape the improvement our nation’s residential energy use.
