How Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Works

First, our certified energy rater visits your property and compiles information on your home. We'll note basic house facts, construction details, drawings and photos, details on windows, insulation, HVAC and hot water heating systems, and utility information. We will also perform infrared scanning and blower-door and duct-blaster tests.

We enter all of this data into a rating program that analyzes the information and assigns points. For comparison, the program measures the home against a benchmark home of the same style, square footage and fuel type to determine if it scores better or worse than average. The program calculates current energy costs and generates a list of the most cost-effective suggested improvements. The program estimates how much the owner will pay for each improvement and what cost savings each will generate.

Our third-party verifier, KBSI, verifies the rating. Then Blue Sky gives you a copy of your home's report and discusses potential improvements with you. Our audit is objective. And you are under no obligation to make the improvements it suggests. If you do make improvements, though, we will conduct a follow-up inspection to prove to the lender, buyer or homeowner that the improvements we made worked effectively.