What is a HERS Rating?
A HERS rating, or home energy rating system, helps determine the value of energy savings investments in a home. 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, testing and calculating a home’s energy performance.
New Homes & HERS
HERS rated homes are gaining popularity with home buyers. As utility costs continue to skyrocket, homeowners are more carefully factoring in ongoing utility costs when considering a home purchase. In 2017 more than 40 percent of new homes carried a HERS rating in an effort to attract energy savvy buyers. Industry experts anticipate increased builder participation in the rating system moving forward.
What About Existing Homes?
Over the past decade or so, much has been learned about home efficiency. Homes that meet the latest insulation and ventilation standards offer significant value compared to homes that do not.
If you are buying a home, ask the sellers about insulation including the R-value (Click here to learn more about insulation). An R-Value under 49 is not considered energy efficient. And verify the home has been properly sealed and has adequate attic ventilation. If it does not measure up, you can anticipate higher utility costs, added wear and tear on both your heating and cooling systems and a reduced life expectancy of your roof.
Do Energy Efficient Upgrades Pay off?
They do! And there is proof. If you recall, last summer we published an article on Insulation ROI. The article was based on a study conducted by Remodeling Magazine comparing the return on investment (ROI) on a variety of home improvements. Attic insulation scored higher than any other investment with an ROI over 107%. In fact, adding insulation was the only project with a return in triple digits.
Big $$$ Benefits From Upgrading Insulation
Upgrading your attic insulation will not only save you money each month on utility bills, reduce wear and tear on your heating and cooling systems, and extend the life of your roof, according to this USA Today article (click here) it also increases the value of your home by as much as 9 percent, should you decided to sell.
With home buyers more focused than ever on utility costs, a more energy efficient home is also likely to sell faster when compared to less efficient homes in the same market.
Attic Air
Attic Air is a full-service attic insulation and ventilation contractor serving homeowners in Chicago & All Suburbs. Call us for a free attic assessment today at 630.830.3870