Benefits of Living in a HERS® Rated Home
June 2, 2023
If you’ve been searching for a new home or interested in our energy-efficient Shoreline homes, you may have heard of the term HERS® Index Score, but what does it mean and why is it important?
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the nationally recognized system for assessing a home’s energy performance and is the most effective way of calculating a home’s energy efficiency. It might seem obvious that it’s better to own an energy-efficient HERS rated home, but what exactly are the benefits?
Lower Home Ownership Costs
You guessed it- the less energy a home uses, the less you have to pay in energy bills. In fact, a home that is rated energy efficient can help you save between 5-30% on energy bills according to the US Department of Energy. RESNET recently announced the average single-family HERS® rated home accounted for $795 in home energy savings in 2021.
Today, homeowners with a lower HERS® score (between 30-70) can expect to save between $700-$1200 annually. That equates to savings of up to $36,000 over a 30-year mortgage.
Cleaner Air for You and Your Family
There are many factors that assist in living a healthy, sustainable life, and breathing clean air is no exception. HERS® rated homes are built with fresh air ventilation systems that filter stale indoor air and replace it with fresh, clean outdoor air. They’re also well insulated, preventing any significant temperature differences in your rooms, and making freezing winters and scorching hot summers more enjoyable inside.
As a result, you’re always breathing crisp, comfortable air inside your home, contributing to a healthier lifestyle for you and your family.
Reduced Carbon Emissions
If you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint, living in an energy-efficient home is the perfect way to do so. HERS® rated houses in the US reduce over 1 million tons of carbon production annually. Consequently, buying a HERS® rated home reduces your home’s pollution and protects the environment.
Higher Resale Value
As more and more homebuyers understand the benefits of HERS® rated homes, they are exceedingly inclined to buy one. In 2018, energy-efficient homes sold an average of 89 days faster than traditional homes.
With the increase in demand, homeowners can bid a higher price. Sellers and builders are even marketing their homes via HERS® Index scores as lower scores have sold for upwards of 9% more than traditional homes.
It’s becoming the standard for homes in the U.S. to be rated for their energy efficiency and, as you can tell, it pays to own a HERS® rated home. Shoreline homes are proud to hold a 49 HERS® score, compared to the average 100 HERS® score for new home construction. Learn more about our energy efficient homes at Shoreline.
Take advantage of the benefits and tour our available energy-efficient Shoreline homes at https://shorelineparkcity.com/.