A Whole-House Home Energy Rating is a comprehensive evaluation of the efficiency of the entire home. The homeowner receives a written report that includes a numeric score or “rating” of the home, plus recommendations for improvements that will reduce energy bills and make the home more comfortable. Knowing the energy rating of your home is similar to knowing the miles per gallon rating of your car.
What kind of tests will they do in your home?:
- Test and seal air leaks in the “building envelope.” They will do what is called a blower door test
and the pressure test will show where the air is leaking out so you can “plug” the leaks and make your home less drafty. You want to keep heat and AC inside your home. Leaks let that conditioned air escape resulting in higher energy bills. - Inspect attic insulation to make sure you have properly installed insulation and possibly increase attic insulation to R-3.
- Test and seal air ducts.
- Tune-up the heating and cooling system.
- Appliance tests.
Read more about HERS rating at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/2009publications/CEC-400-2009-008/CEC-400-2009-008-BR-REV1.PDF
Will this add value to your home? Depends. If you have a HERS rating that can be presented to the appraiser that is one tool for the appraiser to determine value for your property being energy-efficient. The appraisers at Southern California Appraisal Services have been working with UCSD’s Environmental Engineering Department on ways to use a HERS rating to determine value of a property’s energy efficiency. If you have questions regarding value contact the appraisers at www.socalappraisalserv.com
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