Learn what a HERS rating is and how it factors into the construction and use of a home. This rating matters when it comes to home energy efficiency. - www.palosantodesigns.com

1. What is a HERS Rating?
Dee Bangert
Pre-Construction Services
HERS Rater
www.palosantodesigns.com

2.  In 1995, representatives of the national
mortgage industry, the National Association of
State Energy Officials, and Energy Rated Homes
of America founded the Residential Energy
Services Network (RESNET).
 RESNET, guided by the mortgage industry,
developed national standards for home energy
ratings and energy mortgages.
 In 2002, RESNET became a 501 (C) (3).
 RESNET develops the rating standards and
administers the training and certification of
Raters and Quality Assurance Providers.

3.  Before July 1, 2006 the rating was known as a
“score”.
 Now the HERS Index is used to compare a home’s
energy use with that of the American Standard
Home - sometimes also called the “Reference
Home”.
 The Reference Home has a set of criteria which
do not change, such as:
◦ It is wood frame and the same size as the rated home
◦ It has 18% glazing area and distributed equally between
North, South, East and West.
◦ Same fuel and equipment type as the rated home for
heating, cooling and water heating, except with
efficiency ratings of federal minimums.

4. The American Standard Home is
given a score of 100, while a Net
Zero Energy Home is Given a 0.
Each point on the Index equates to
1% energy use. A lower number is
better.
Energy Star version 2 Required a
HERS Index of 85, 15% better than
the Reference House.
A HERS Index is also used by LEED
for Homes and the National Green
Building Standard. Lower Index
scores are required for higher
levels of certification.

5.  Plan Evaluation
◦ A Projected Rating can be given from a set of plans and
specifications. Estimates are used for test data such as
air infiltration (Blower Door) and duct leakage.
◦ Measurements can be taken for existing home’s window,
door, floor and wall areas among other things.
 On Site Inspections
◦ Insulation Inspections allow for the highest grade of
installation to be used in the rating.
◦ A Thermal Bypass Inspection is required by Energy Star.
 Testing
◦ A Confirmed Rating will require a Blower Door and Duct
Leakage tests.
◦ Palo Santo suggests having a Duct Leakage test done at
rough-in to ensure success at completion.

6.  Plan Evaluation
◦ It is suggested that this be done toward the end of the
design phase, so the design can still be modified to
meet the energy goals.
 On Site Inspections
◦ Under slab insulation inspections can be eliminated if
photos are provided, but it will still receive the lowest
grade for installation. This can affect the HERS Index.
◦ A Thermal Bypass Inspection is required by the City of
Santa Fe’s Residential Green Building Code, LEED for
Homes, and Energy Star.
 Testing
◦ A Confirmed Rating will require a Blower Door and Duct
Leakage tests.

7.  Tax Incentives – New Mexico
◦ Sustainable Building Tax Credit, for homes certified
in Build Green New Mexico or LEED-H could receive
a tax credit.
◦ Solar Tax Credit – 10% or up to $9,000 for
homeowner.
 Tax Incentives – Federal
◦ Energy Efficient Tax Credit - $2,000 for the
contractor (through 2016)
◦ Solar Tax Credit – 30% of cost for homeowner

8. RESNET has
approved three
different
software
companies for
HERS Ratings.
REM/Rate is the
most used by
HERS raters in
New Mexico.

9. Libraries allow for
many building types
to be created.
Through the use of
the library items, a
house can be created
with any number of
combinations of wall
type, foundation
type, ceiling type and
mechanical
equipment.
Utility Rates are also
set to report on cost
of energy used.

10. Above Grade Wall Types

11. Mechanical Equipment
Requires information such as:
The efficiency ratings of
heating, cooling and water
heating equipment
Location of equipment
Thermostat settings

12. Air Infiltration
(Blower Door)
These results are estimated for a
projected rating based on the
guidelines of the program
qualifying for. Final results are
entered for a Confirmed Rating.
Mechanical Ventilation
Systems
Heat Recovery Ventilators and
Energy Recovery Ventilators help
HERS score. Other ventilation is
needed to qualify for some green
building programs. City of Santa
Fe now requires meeting
ASHRAE 62.2.

13. Duct Systems
Allows for more than one
system.
Requires information such as:
Location, R-value of
insulation on ducts as well
as which mechanical
equipment uses it.
Leakage rates are estimated
for the Projected Rating
based on the program, and
final results are entered for
the Confirmed Rating.

14. Blower Door: Tectite

15. Quick Reports:
Energy
Annual load
Annual Consumption
Annual Energy Cost
Quick and easy way to
see how changes
effect energy usage

16. Quick Reports:
Compliance
HERS Index
Pass/Fail for Energy Star
Pass/Fail for Federal Tax Credit
Pass/Fail for IECC and other
energy codes
Quick and easy way to
see how changes effect
the HERS Index

17. Projected Rating:
Energy Star
This is what you would
receive as confirmation
that the planned building
meets Energy Star. Once
the final tests are
completed, the file is
reviewed by the Quality
Assurance Provider and the
word DRAFT is removed.
This is just one of many
reports available.

18. Detailed Reports
Action Report
Action - Graphic Report
Air Leakage Report
Building file
Builder Affidavit
Building File Report
Component Consumption Summary
Component Consumption Summary Graphic
Component Loads Summary
Component Loads Summary Graphic
Component Design Loads Summary
Component Design Loads Summary Graphic
Economic Summary
Emissions Report
Energy Cost & Feature
Equipment Sizing
Fuel Summary
Lights and Appliances Summary
Performance Summary
Performance Summary Graphic
Performance Factors
Source Energy & Emissions
Utility Bill Reconciliation
ASHRAE 90.2 Reports
Energy Star Reports (7)
IECC Compliance Reports (1998 – 2006)

19.  Palo Santo Designs LLC is an Award Winning
General Contractor specializing in the design and
construction of Fine Custom Homes, Renovations
and Distinctive Commercial Spaces in the Santa Fe
area. Our experience is unsurpassed in the design
and construction of high performance buildings,
utilizing the most effective methods for energy and
water efficiency, sustainability and comfort.