Energy Audits & Ratings

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HOME ENERGY RATING BEGINNINGS*

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A home energy rating involves an analysis of a home's construction plans and onsite inspections. Based on the home's plans, the Business Home Energy Rater uses an energy efficiency software package to perform an energy analysis of the home's design. This analysis yields a projected, pre-construction BHERS Index.

Upon completion of the plan review, the rater will work with the builder to identify the energy efficiency improvements needed to ensure the house will meet ENERGY STAR performance guidelines. The rater then conducts onsite inspections, typically including a blower door test (to test the leakiness of the house) and a duct test (to test the leakiness of the ducts). Results of these tests, along with inputs derived from the plan review, are used to generate the BHERS Index for the home or business.

A home energy rating is a recognized tool within the building industry. Home energy ratings can be used in a variety of ways in the housing industry. Since a rating quantifies the energy performance of a home, the BHERS Index provides an easily understandable means to compare the relative energy efficiency of different homes, therefore is a valuable tool in the mortgage industry.


The BHERS Green Smart Score

The BHERSGreen Smart Score is a scoring system established in part by the DOE, HERS_Council, and RESNETand modified by AMERICAS ACADEMY OF BUILDING SCIENCE (AABS) in which a business or home built to the specifications of the BHERS Reference Home (based on the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code) scores a BHERS Index of 100, while a net zero energy home scores a BHERS Index of 0. The lower a home's BHERS score, the more energy efficient it is in comparison to the BHERS Reference Home or Business.

Each 1-point decrease in the BHERS Index corresponds to a 1% reduction in energy consumption compared to the BHERS Reference Home. Thus a home with a BHERS Index of 85 is 15% more energy efficient than the BHERS Reference Home and a home with a BHERS Index of 80 is 20% more energy efficient. The BHERS Score goes a step further to 00  which is possible to obtain and should be rewarded.

Energy Score

The BHERS Green Score is based on HERS Index and DOE  E-Smart-Scale shown at link below.

U.S. Department of Energy’s EnergySmart Home Scale

The EnergySmart Home Scale (E-Scale) was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the National Builders Challenge. The E-Scale is based on RESNET’s HERS Index. For more information on the E-Scale view a brief video by clicking on E-Scale Video .

DOE has developed an E-Scale Interactive Tool to compare estimated cost and energy savings of new and existing homes. To chart the savings how improving the E-Scale score click on E-Scale Interactive Tool .

Choosing a Rater

As in any trade, all raters are not the same. Raters have different experience, training and skills. You should not select a rater based solely on price. The following are issues to consider when choosing a home energy rater to work with:


  • Find out what are the basic services the rater provides. AABS has adopted a Rating Standards of Practice to define this.
  • Determine what training and experience the rater requires to meet your needs. In addition to receiving a rating score, will you require design assistance, HVAC sizing calculations, or construction crew training? Be sure you know that the rater's skills meet your needs.
  • Make sure that your rater carries proper insurance coverage. AABS has arranged to provide affordable and comprehensive general liability and professional liability insurance coverage for raters. Make sure that the rater you hire is properly insured.

Benefits of Hiring a AABS Member Rater

Choosing a AABS rater member means that you are selecting someone you can trust to objectively provide you with a comprehensive analysis of the home's major energy systems and components.

AABS rater members are trained and have demonstrated technical proficiency and have committed to maintain and improve their technical proficiency through continuing education.

Members are committed to conducting ratings in accordance with the AABS Rating Standards of Practice; abiding by the AABS Rating Code of Ethics, and disclose any financial interest in the home being rated. Through their membership to AABS, member raters demonstrate their commitment to technical and ethical quality.
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