Home energy ratings provide a standard measurement of a home’s energy efficiency. Ratings are used for both and new and existing homes. In new homes rating often verify energy performance for the ENERGY STAR homes program, energy efficient mortgages, and energy code compliance. Homeowners who want to upgrade the home’s energy efficiency can use the energy rating to evaluate and pinpoint specific, cost-effective improvements. For existing homes, homeowners can receive a report listing cost-effective options for improving the home’s energy rating. An energy rating allows a homebuyer to easily compare the energy performance of the homes being considered.
Confirmed ratings involve an on-site inspection of a home by a residential energy efficiency professional, a home energy rater. Home energy raters are trained and certified by a RESNET accredited home energy rater training provider.
The home energy rater reviews the home to identify its energy characteristics, such as insulation levels, window efficiency, wall-to-window ratios, the heating and cooling system efficiency, the solar orientation of the home, and the water heating system. Performance testing, such as a blower door test for air leakage and duct leakage, is usually part of the rating.
learn more at: http://natresnet.org
What is Comprehensive home energy assessment? It is more than an energy audit or energy survey.
Collect data: foundation, insulation, ceiling, windows, heating/cooling, duct system, hot water heater
Test: Air leakage with Blower Door, Duct Air leakage with Duct Blaster
Rate: Home scored and rated using the leading industry standard rating method HERS (Home Energy Rating System)
Report: Estimated annual energy consumption, estimated annual energy cost, estimated return for each improvement. A rating report for energy mortgage applications.
Recommend: list of improvements to achieve energy efficiency
An energy efficient home:
Saves you money
More comfortable
Increase home value and durability
Resources for Homeowners
1. Idaho Incentives, Tax Credits, Tax Deduction
http://www.idahopower.com/
Energy Center
http://www.northwestenergystar.com/
Utilities
Incentives & Tax Credits
http://www.tax.idaho.gov/
State of Idaho Insulation Income Tax Deduction
2. Low Interest Energy Loan Programs
http://www.idwr.idaho.gov/energy/
http://www.energy.idaho.gov/
