HERS  – when it comes around to saving money it’s both!  However, the subject is about HERS (Home Energy Rating System) – a system for rating home efficiencies.  Recently we visited a Ryland Home and this plaque was proudly displayed.  A home that has a HERS index of 0 is referred to as a ‘Net-Zero’ home, implying that it requires no energy other than what itself can produce.  This implies that 0 is the best HERS rating that the house can have while most homes are much higher, such as the home we were reviewing in our visit.  Although, as you see from the plaque, 72, is a good rating (28% more efficient), as compared to many homes.  We were told that this ~3200 sqft home would have a utility bill of approximately $78/month…not bad!

See the link for more information on HERS

“Each 1-point decrease in the HERS Index corresponds to a 1% reduction in energy consumption compared to the HERS Reference Home. Thus a home with a HERS Index of 85 is 15% more energy efficient than the HERS Reference Home and a home with a HERS Index of 80 is 20% more energy efficient.”[1]

Incidentally, the Ryland salesman told us that Ryland Homes is a builder that guarantees a certain utility cost when the house is sold.  If they are not able to reach the guaranteed cost then the builder makes corrections in order to reach this commitment.

I would be honored to help you with your real estate needs and happy to explain tax benefits and other aspects related to financing a home or investment property. Also, I’d love to discuss these ‘green’ aspects and help you understand what the implications of energy efficient design and construction might mean to you as you search for a new or existing home.  Just give me a call or contact me.

There’s $Green in Living Green™