Home Energy Ratings
Most home energy ratings are performed on new homes. Energy audits are typically performed on exhisting homes. Home energy ratings provide a standard measurement of a home?s energy efficiency. Ratings can be used for both and new and existing homes. In new homes, ratings often verify energy performance for the ENERGY STAR for new homes program, energy efficient mortgages, and energy code compliance. Homeowners who want to upgrade the home?s energy efficiency can use the energy rating or audit 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 new homebuyer to easily compare the energy performance of the new homes being considered. Similar to an MPG sticker on a new car.
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. The data gathered by the home energy rater is entered into a RESNET accredited computer program and translated into rating score. The home receives a score that compares the home to the 2006 IECC energy code. A home that matches the 2006 energy code will have a score of 100. A home that is 10% more efficient than the 2006 energy code will recieve a HER score of 90. So a lower score is better. An estimate of the home?s energy costs is also provided in the report. The home?s energy rating is then equated to a Star rating ranging from one star for a very inefficient home to five stars for a highly efficient home.
To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC) , and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20?30% more efficient than standard homes.
This label identifies a home as having earned the ENERGY STAR.
And with homebuyers increasingly interested in green building, energy efficiency is the place to start. That's because the energy used in homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and risks of global warming. So, the less energy used, the less air pollution generated. And the easy way to make sure a new home is energy efficient is to look for the blue ENERGY STAR mark, the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency.
Learn more about how Green Begins with ENERGY STAR Blue  (130KB).
Any home three stories or less can earn the ENERGY STAR label if it has been verified to meet EPA's guidelines, including: single family, attached, and low-rise multi-family homes; manufactured homes; systems-built homes (e.g., SIP, ICF, or modular construction); log homes, concrete homes; and even existing retrofitted homes.
ENERGY STAR qualified homes can include a variety of 'tried-and-true' energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution
About Colorado Professional Inspections Colorado Professional Inspections/ECO-SPECT was established in 2000 by president and founder Bruce Czech (ASHI #207435), who has completed over 2500 home inspections. The company was born out of desire to create source for unbiased home purchase information. In 2007, CPI was expanded the addition of ECO-SPECT, an energy audit, rating and consulting company.
Our goal is "excellence in home inspection/audits". We achieve this every day by spending more time on our inspections/audits, staying current with the latest inspection/audit techniques, and fulfilling continuing education requirements. Our inspections/audits are the most thorough available. Our reports are easy to read and understand and will help homeowners make informed purchase decisions. In addition, we are committed to making homes more energy efficient and comfortable. |
