The HERS Index is a scoring system in which a home built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home scores a HERS Index of 100, while a net zero energy home scores a HERS Index of 0. The lower a home's HERS Index, the more energy efficient it is.
Each 1-point decrease in the HERS Index corresponds to a 1% reduction in energy consumption compared to the HERS Reference Home. So, 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 65 is 35% more energy efficient.
If you're buying a new home ask to see the HERS Index! (if the home doesn't have one, get it tested!)
If you're building a new home, make sure to ask your architect to design it for a specific HERS Index. (70 or lower is a good goal and also the threshold to meet the DOE's Builders' Challenge)
Stay tuned for info on Green Line Architects' Net-Zero Energy Home being built high up in the Colorado mountains.
