HERS Energy Ratings in Massachusetts
A HERS rating is a score from the Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) Index that measures a home's energy efficiency. A certified HERS Rater, like Heat Loss Management, conducts an energy audit in order to provide a concrete rating of a home's energy performance against a standard. The lower the score, the better. This score can help you identify opportunities to improve during construction or can help with property valuations. Our team helps with ratings all the way through design and construction so that you meet and exceed all state & town compliance codes. For more information, keep reading or give us a call.
How Do HERS Ratings Work in Massachusetts?
We test a variety of variables, including all exterior walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, windows, doors, and skylights. Testing also covers your HVAC, water heating, and all other appliances. Overall, the goal is to see how effective a building is in preventing heat loss. Your building's score goes up against a standard home. The standard home has a score of 100, and the more efficient your home is, the lower the score is compared to 100. One method used includes blower door testing. A blower door test tracks how effective a room is at maintaining a pressure differential. You can learn more about our blower door testing here.
What Is the Process of Getting A HERS Rating with Heat Loss Management?
Here at Heat Loss Management, our goal is to help contractors and homeowners get the best results. We aim to be a one-stop shop to ensure that the largest investment of your life meets and exceeds local and state compliance codes. Our team can help you achieve the best outcome by making sure you are using the right materials. We can also act as a consultant between you and your subcontractors. Here are the core steps of how we help with HERS ratings.​
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Planning & Modeling: During the initial phases of design, our builders work with clients to make sure we are all on the same page about goals, rebate objectives, and materials/methods.
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Midpoint Inspections: Our team inspects buildings as they are constructed, when they receive insulation, and throughout the build process before the walls are enclosed to ensure the property is on the right track.
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Post Construction: After the property is complete, we perform final testing and collect all of the data necessary to produce your HERS report.
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Final Report: After creating your HERS report, our team helps property owners navigate the complicated paperwork needed for state and federal rebate or incentive programs.
What Are The Benefits of a HERS Rating For Your Massachusetts Home?
HERS ratings help ensure that your home is energy efficient, which can save you utility costs in the long run. Here in New England, it is important to live in a home that can maintain temperature control throughout the year. HERS ratings are also designed to ensure that new construction meets and exceeds building codes. Your rating also provides a clear numerical value for how energy-efficient it is. Instead of vague promises of being green or energy efficient, you have a clear rating to refer to. This can help improve the value of a home when reselling.