HERS Ratings and Performance Testing

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BLUEGILL Energy Management has certified RESNET HERS raters on staff that perform the accredited home energy rating that is necessary for an energy mortgage. HERS ratings are used for both and new and existing homes. The rating includes a report that will include all of the information that you need to underwrite an energy mortgage including the calculation of the monthly energy savings and present value. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA and VA have adopted special underwriting guidelines to make financing energy efficiency less burdensome. These guidelines can be found at: http://www.resnet.us/ratings/mortgages/default.htm .

A HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rating is a standard measurement of a home’s energy efficiency. HERS ratings are regulated and certified under the administration of the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). HERS ratings involve an on-site inspection of a home by a certified residential energy efficiency professional, a home energy rater. Our HERS raters are trained and certified by RESNET.

The data gathered during a HERS rating is input into a computer program and translated into points. The home receives a point score between 1 to 100, depending on its relative efficiency. An estimate of the home’s energy costs is also provided. The home’s energy rating is then equated to a Star rating ranging from a 1 Star for a very inefficient home to a 5 Star for a highly efficient home. Along with the rating sheet, a home owner receives a report listing cost-effective options for improving the home’s energy rating.

One of the major differences between a home energy rating and an energy audit or weatherization assessment is that the rating is a recognized tool in the mortgage process. Home energy ratings are valuable to the housing industry and can be utilized in a variety of ways.