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HERS Rating Index - What is it?

HERS Rating Index – What is it? See How Good Scores Help Save Money!

There’s a chance at some point in time you have heard of the RESNET HERS Rating Index. If you haven’t yet heard of HERS, you are probably asking the following questions: What is HERS? What does a HERS test consist of? How does the HERS score work? Can a HERS score save you money? And most importantly, where can you find an energy-efficient home? If you have questions like the ones listed, you are in the right place!

What is HERS?

Let’s get right to the point – HERS is an acronym for Home Energy Rating System. This rating system evaluates home features and systems. It determines the building’s overall energy efficiency.

What Does a HERS Energy Audit Consist Of?

Each HERS-certified energy rater performs a full inspection. They rate how energy efficient your home is. Testing includes ratings for your:

  • Furnace Efficiency
  • Air Conditioner SEER Rating
  • Heat Pump Efficiency
  • Ductwork
  • Insulation – Attic, Walls, Slab
  • Hot Water System Efficiency
  • Ventilation
  • Windows U and Solar Heat Gain

How do HERS Scores Work & What do They Mean?

The HERS score works like golf scores. The lower it goes, the better it is! The HERS rating index ranges from 0 to 150. Standard new homes tend to get poor ratings, scoring at 100. Energy-efficiency-focused builders deliver homes with lower scores. That means you get a more energy-efficient home. To gain more perspective, homes built in the 1950s would most likely score a rating between 120 and 130.

  • Bad HERS Scores (110-150)
  • Good HERS Scores (90-100)
  • Better HERS Scores (50-80)
  • Great HERS Scores (10-40)
  • Best HERS Scores (Zero)

How can a good HERS score save you money?

Yes, it’s true. Better HERS ratings increase your energy savings. That saves you money on your energy bill. Upgrades like upgrading to better insulation, installing energy-efficient doors and/or windows, or updating your HVAC system, often save you quite a bit of money. Upgrades made will drop down your HERS score and could potentially save you hundreds of dollars annually.

What are the STK New Home Energy Ratings?

The average HERS Index score for an STK home is 55. What does that mean? Our new homes are 45% more energy-efficient than standard minimum-built homes (HERS score of 100). STK standard home upgrades go above and beyond. There’s no wonder the average STK new home HERS energy score is 55. Take a look at what STK offers versus the Oklahoma code minimum.

STK Homes
Oklahoma Code Minimum
Wall Insulation R-15
Wall Insulation R-13
Attic Insulation R-38
Attic Insulation R-30
Furnace Efficiency 96%
Furnace Efficiency 80%
Air Conditioner 16 SEER
Air Conditioner 12 SEER
Water Heater Efficiency .92
Water Heater Efficiency .5
Windows .3 U Value & .28 Solar Heat Gain
Windows .45 U Value & .45 Solar Heat Gain
Slab Insulation R-5
(No Code Requirement)

STK Homes’ motto is “Built from the Heart.” While Oklahoma does not require HERS testing, STK requires it for all their homes. All STK Homes are rated by a certified HERS rater auditor. Why go above and beyond? It is about you, the homeowner. We do everything to ensure that every STK home is energy efficient.

HERS Home Energy Scores

Getting a HERS rating helps you understand the energy performance of your new home. STK automatic upgrades reduce your energy consumption. They make your living space more comfortable.

Interested in learning more about STK energy-efficient homes? Call Carla, our online sales counselor, at (405) 696-7202.

 

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