Services: Energy Rating and Energy Testing

HERS Home Energy Rating: Qualifying New Homes for Energy Efficiency Programs

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) was developed with national guidelines from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to provide uniform, reliable and unbiased information about the energy efficiency of a home. Many federal and state tax credit programs, ENERGY STAR certification , Energy Efficient Mortgage programs  and the BUILDERS CHALLENGE  program require this rating system.

Learn more about HERS Rating at RESNET.

We are proud to provide rating services to qualify new homes for the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are substantially more energy efficient than homes built to the minimum code requirements. Even in states with more rigorous energy codes, the U.S. EPA ensures that ENERGY STAR remains the symbol for truly energy-efficient performance. These homes are good for businesses, consumers, and the environment

Home Buyer Energy Rating: Kick the Tires, First

Considering buying a home? Our tests can make sure it's not an “energy hog.” Utility bills alone are not enough. Does the home have comfort issues? Do gas appliances pose safety issues? Is the indoor air quality healthy, or is there mold in the walls? The home buyer energy rating measures how the home, as a whole system, uses energy. It can also answer these questions for you. For more on the benefits of a Home Buyer Energy Rating click here.

Individual Tests

These tests are included with our comprehensive audits, described above. But you can also order them separately.

Blower Door Test                    

This test locates holes and leaks in the home’s envelope by de-pressurizing the building. It also helps us figure the air changes per hour.

Thermographic Inspection         

An infra-red camera is a more sophisticated method of finding hard-to-detect thermal bypass (heat loss)  and moisture problems                                     

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Duct Blaster Test  

This test can measure the amount of conditioned air the duct system is losing.

Carbon Monoxide Test    

This safety test measures the amount of carbon monoxide that is coming from combustion equipment including your furnace, hot water heater, stoves, garage, fireplace, and wood/pellet burning stoves, among others.