What is a Home Energy Rating?
A home energy rating involves an analysis of a home’s construction plans and onsite inspections. Based on the home’s plans, the Home Energy Rater uses an energy efficiency software package to perform a home energy audit of the home’s design. This analysis yields a projected, pre-construction Energy Rating 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 Energy Rating Index score for the home.
Home Energy Audit and Performance Assessment
Our ENERGY STAR Home Energy Audit and Performance professionals will help you uncover the potential of your home. By conducting a home energy audit, your home energy expert will determine your home’s condition and energy performance. Below are the elements of the assessment:
Homeowner Interview: A discussion with your home energy expert to identify any specific comfort issues and understand typical living patterns in your home
Energy Bills Review: A review of historical energy use in your home to serve as a benchmark for projected savings estimates
Home Evaluation: A visual inspection of the exterior, interior, home envelope, and all mechanical systems to determine their condition
Safety Check & Testing: A combination of diagnostic tests to identify leaks, moisture problems, or ventilation issues and assess the home’s energy performance
Home Improvement Recommendations: A prioritized list of improvement measures based on health and safety issues, comfort, and overall cost-benefit
Ways to make your home more energy efficient
Energy Efficient Products — ENERGY STAR products are independently certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality. Saving energy helps prevent climate change. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to save money on your energy bills and help protect our environment.
Energy Savings at Home — Improving your home’s energy efficiency with ENERGY STAR can help to lower high energy bills, improve comfort and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Learn about the many ways to save in your home, such as purchasing higher efficiency furnaces, hot water tank, smart thermostat, windows, doors and making sure your home is insulated properly.
New Homes & Apartments — A new home or apartment that has earned the ENERGY STAR label has undergone a process of inspections, testing, and verification to meet strict requirements set by the US EPA. ENERGY STAR certified homes and apartments use significantly less energy than typical new homes and apartments while delivering better comfort, quality, and durability.
