HERS RATINGS

Home Energy Modeling Facts:
Compares energy performance to similar new spec house
Modeling enables energy analysis for various construction scenarios
Needed for energy mortgages to compare results after improvements
Used for performance-base qualification of ENERGY STAR houses
Georgia MLS allows HERS Ratings in listings

Reasons for a HERS Rating:
Builders: To certify any house using ENERGY STAR requirements
Mortgages: Analysis supporting a energy mortgage financing
Homeowners: Make informed remodeling decisions
Sellers: Show HERS Rating when listing house
Buyers: Compare energy performance between houses considered

New House HERS Rating Phases:
1. Model house according to plans as early as possible
2. Collect data for the as-built house (field verification)
3. Update model for the house as it exists
4. Validate HERS model to obtain HERS Rating

Improvement HERS Rating Phases:
1. Collect data for the existing house (field verification)
2. Model the house as it exists
3. Model the house according to desired improvements
4. Validate both HERS models for energy improvement data
5. Collect data for the remodeled house (field verification)
6. Update model for the house as remodeled
7. Validate HERS model to obtain HERS Rating
Note: steps 5-7 not required for an energy mortgage

Existing House HERS Rating Phases:
1. Collect data for the existing house (field verification)
2. Model the house as it exists
3. Validate HERS model to obtain HERS Rating

Field Verification Focus:
Compare plans to the as built house (new construction)
Measure house components (existing houses)
Visually inspect house for energy performance features
Determine air infiltration through walls, floors, and ceilings
Measure air leakage through ductwork

As-Built House HERS Report Content:
HERS Rating Certificate (on completion)
Energy Performance Summary

Note: Available for new, remodeled, & existing houses

Improvement HERS Report (HERS Analysis Report) Content:
Energy Performance Summaries (as-is, after improvements)
Recommendations for desired improvement
Priorities for making whole-house improvements

Note: Available for energy mortgages and pre-remodeling activities
Note: To complete HERS Report, attach quotes for recommended work

Pricing Variables:
Square footage of conditioned & semi-conditioned spaces
- Semi-conditioned areas: certain types of attics & foundations
Travel Time
Field verification time
Model update time
Number of models validated by Southface Energy Rated Homes

Note: Some field costs are part of other fees for ENERGY STAR rated houses

Availability:
Need at least 1 hour of daylight to investigate the exterior

Field Verification Time:
At least a half-day, longer for larger houses

More Information:
Resources
Freqently Asked Questions (FAQs)