Have You Heard of a HERS Index Related to Real Estate?

It stands for HOME ENERGY RATING SYSTEM and it is a nationally accepted standard used to measure the efficiency of a house. It is based upon a scale where a score of 100 is the baseline reference point of a home built to code in 2006. If you score a 90 then your home is 10% MORE efficient than the standard. If you score a 115 your home is 15 percent LESS efficient than the rating standard. You are using 15% more energy and some work could save a lot of money in the long run. A well built modern home is likely to have a HERS score in the 60s range. This home will feel more comfortable and consistent than the ‘standard’ home and the bonus is you’ll save money on utilities at the same time!  

Having a HERS test done involves two primary tests. One is a smoke test to see if the ductwork is leaking.  A fog machine is often enlisted to provide visual results from this as well as taking airflow measurements. A blower door test is used to determine how much air infiltration the shell of the home may have. A lot of newer homes in the Dayton OH area tend to fall in the 65-85 range.