HERS Ratings

With the Massachusetts energy codes becoming more stringent and more stringent, it’s becoming harder to attain the code-mandated HERS score. The team at RESNET Certified HERS Raters has more than 25 years of expertise in the field and has more than 10,000 HERS Ratings in our portfolio We know the steps to take to ensure you achieve the highest HERS score for your construction project. We will work with you to find weak points in the early design phase and offer support throughout the entire construction process.

WHAT IS A HER RATING?

HERS is the acronym for Home Energy Rating System, an HERS rating is the industry standard to measure the efficiency of energy use in homes. It provides a comprehensive view of the energy use of the house, including the performance test and construction materials, HVAC equipment appliances, lighting, and. The HERS score is the most popular method of proving the compliance of local codes for energy and, for Stretch Code communities, a HERS rating is required (must have a score of at least 55). An easy path to energy code compliance begins with a HERS score and an excellent HERS Rater.

HERS ratings may also be able to qualify homes for other benefits like utilities incentive plans, $1000 45L tax credits, as well as certifications such as Passive House, ENERGY STAR, and LEED.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

We conduct a series of tests on the systems within your home to determine their effectiveness. The tests include the blower door test, the testing of ducts (if there is ductwork) as well as a ventilation test. These tests are non-invasive and won’t interfere with or harm the home. The test results are fed into a HERS rating software that calculates the HERS score for the home.

For more information read our article on “Performance Testing”

BUILDING MATERIALS

The HERS score considers an the variety of construction materials that are used in the house and determines the impact that each one has on the score of HERS. Types of insulation, their depth and the quality of installation are recorded to calculate the R-Value of the floors, walls and ceilings of the home. Windows come with performance ratings that reveal the insulation value U-Value, the insulation factor, and the amount of solar energy that is radiated through the glass, and solar energy gain (SHGC). Other factors, such as the framing factor of walls or radiant barriers on roofs are recorded and entered into the assessment software HERS.

HVAC

What are the utilities available on your website? This question determines the kind of cooling and heating system you choose to complete your work. We will record the kind size, dimensions, fuel and performance of your cooling and heating system. Domestic hot water (DHW) systems are also documented to assess the efficiency of the system, its fuel and the type of these systems. Distribution systems for DHW are also inspected for characteristics such as pipe insulation as well as the total system length. Ventilation systems are examined to make sure they are in compliance with the applicable building codes.

APPLIANCES & LIGHTING

The quality and effectiveness of your appliance can influence the score you receive from HERS. Certain appliances are referred to as minimum-rated elements, which are items must be included in the HERS score. The appliances are refrigerators, dishwasher range, washer and dryer. There is no requirement to own all of them A default setting can be utilized, however most appliances available nowadays have higher efficiency than standard. Also, we will determine if your lighting is high-efficiency light source, LED or compact fluorescent, or incandescent.