Like the miles-per-gallon calculation for cars, a HERS® Index Score allows for a uniform estimate of a home’s energy consumption and provides buyers/owners with a reference point for how energy efficient their home is compared to other homes. Heating, cooling, and water heating consumption constitute the largest cost of homeownership outside of the mortgage loan, and the HERS® Index Score can help homeowners outline the energy features of the home and the expected cost of utility bills.
The HERS® Index Score plays an increasingly important role in the housing industry, used by builders, utilities, real estate professionals, and government agencies to measure the efficiency of their homes, as rated by certified RESNET Home Energy Professionals.
The three million homes HERS® rated equals reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 49 million tons (the equivalent of taking nearly 9.7 million passenger vehicles off the road for one year), has improved the health and comfort of more than 13 million residents, and saved homeowners over $8 billion in energy costs. In 2020, over 299,000 homes received HERS® Index Scores, with nearly1 in 4 new homes built receiving a HERS® Index Score.