Professional Energy Services

What is a Home Energy Rating?

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index is the industry standard in measuring a homes energy efficiency. It is a comprehensive assessment of a building's energy use and efficiency. Additionally, a HERS rating is the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home's energy performance. The goal of a HERS rating is to identify opportunities for energy savings, improve the building's performance, and reduce energy costs. The process of finding a HERS score includes plan review, energy modeling, blower door testing and duct leakage testing.
 
Blower Door Testing

Blower door testing is a process that measures the airtightness of a building. During the test, a specialized fan is mounted onto an exterior door or window frame, and the building is depressurized. This creates a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the building, allowing technicians to identify areas where air is leaking into or out of the building. By identifying these areas, new home builders and existing homeowners can take steps to seal gaps and improve the building's energy efficiency.

Air Duct Testing

Air duct testing is a process that measures the efficiency of a building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. During the test, a technician uses specialized equipment to measure the airflow and pressure within the ductwork. This helps identify areas where air is leaking from the ducts, as well as any other issues that may be impacting the efficiency of the HVAC system. By identifying and addressing these issues, builders and existing homeowners can reduce energy waste and improve indoor air quality.

Why Have a HERS Rating?

HERS ratings are important tool not only for Connecticut new construction but for anyone who wants to improve the energy efficiency of their building. By identifying areas of energy waste, builders and homeowners can take steps to reduce their energy consumption, save money on energy costs, and improve the overall performance of their buildings. Additionally, energy efficient homes benefit from improve indoor air quality, creating a healthier and more comfortable living or working environment.

Whether you are a builder, architect, home buyer, or an existing homeowner and are interested in scheduling an HERS rating for your home or business, contact Onega Inspection Services today. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to identify areas of energy waste and provide customized solutions to help you save money and improve the building's performance.