Home Energy Scores

Give your home an energy checkup

A home’s energy efficiency is based on a whole-house assessment. Known as an “energy score,” the efficiency rating of a home is based on measurable performance factors of individual appliances or operating systems. New homes today are often built under “green building standards.” After the home is completed, a certified independent third-party energy rater inspects the home and completes a number of tests to ascertain the home meets program requirements. Indoor air quality is an integral part of the home energy inspection.

Current homeowners can order an energy audit from the same companies that provide energy testing on new homes. You can learn about the HERS Energy Score, and locate a HERS energy rater from the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). The U.S. Department of Energy offers a program called Home Energy Score, and provides detailed explanations about the testing process and assessor locator by zip code.  Many utility companies offer free home energy assessments—and if there is a cost, it is often credited toward the purchase of recommended efficiency measures.

It’s all explained in Live in a Home that Pays You Back

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