Home Energy Rating Service
The Home Energy Rating Service, HERS, is a score used to determine how energy efficient a home is. This rating system is recognized by the EPA Energy Star Program, the United States Green Council's LEED for Homes and the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Guidelines. This score is based on the assumption that a normal code-built home has a HERS index of 100. The more you do to make this home more energy efficient the lower your index score will be.
This index, the Home Energy Rating Service score, could become
very important to you in the years to come. An example of this index being
used is found in Santa Fe New Mexico. Santa Fe has adopted building codes
requiring mandatory minimum levels of energy efficiency. The form of
measurement to be used for code enforcement will be a HERS score of 70 or less.
It sounds to me like this Home Energy Rating Service might be something we need to take a closer look at, regardless of where you live. So how do you lower your HERS index? Let's take a look.
The design of the home is the first aspect we need to look at, location on the lot is important also. Setting the long wall of your home to the south and minimizing windows and doors on the north and the east is a good place to start. Minimizing the total length of the perimeter walls is considered good in the eyes of HERS. The more skylights in the roof, the higher the score, so think twice about how bad you need these poorly insulated light sources.
Insulation is a big consideration in determining your HERS score. Blown-in cellulose or fiberglass insulation seems to be a good way to go. Sealing and foaming all cracks and penetrations in the framing is an important aspect also, all to often overlooked.
A tight, well insulated home will usually require smaller heating and cooling systems. This is good and helps with you rating. When you add to that compact fluorescent bulbs, Energy Star-rated appliances, on demand water heaters and you are well on your way to a HERS 70 index.
So how
is this going to effect the cost of new homes? With a little thought put
into the planning of a new home, a 70 index should be attainable with little to
no additional costs. It is, however, going to be a combined effort, or it
will never happen. Home owners need to start thinking a little greener and
accept certain things in a home design as being necessary. Designers,
builders, architects and engineers will all need to join in with creative ideas
and sustainable ways of thinking. It will take all of us working together
for these homes of the future to be affordable and energy efficient.
Top of Home Energy Rating Service
Home Energy Audit :
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Star Energy Water Heaters :
Stimulus Package :
Stimulus Rebate
Weatherization :
What is Energy Conservation :
What's In The Stimulus Bill
Why Is Water Conservation Important :
Green Living :
Conserving
Reducing Energy Usage :
Energy Efficient Home :
Green Building
Arizona Energy Rebates :
New Mexico Solar Tax Credit
Cost of Running Appliances :
Use a Fireback For More Heat :
Reduce Heating Costs
Solar Pool Heat :
Energy Efficient Home Siding :
Insulate To Save
Saving Energy And Money :
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Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor Solar Lighting :
Finding Air Leaks :
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Solar Power
Wind Power
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Energy Reduction
Organcic Life
Saving Money
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