Support for Homebuilders

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured. It’s also the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance.

To calculate a home’s HERS index score, a certified HERS rater does an energy rating on the home and compares the data against a ‘reference home’ — a designed model home of the same size and shape as the actual home — so the score is always relative to the size, shape, and type of house being built.

The Thermal Bypass Checklist is a comprehensive list of building details where thermal bypass — or the movement of heat around or through insulation — frequently occurs due to missing air barriers or gaps between the air barrier and insulation. The Thermal Bypass Checklist must be completed by a certified home energy rater in order for a home to qualify for ENERGY STAR® or PSO certification.

Building envelope testing, or blower door testing, determines a home’s air tightness. Establishing proper air tightness reduces energy consumption due to air leakage, moisture condensation problems, and drafts. It also determines how much ventilation is required to provide acceptable indoor air quality.

A duct pressure test measures the air tightness of HVAC ductwork. Duct leakage should be determined and documented by a rater using a Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)-approved testing protocol.