Energy Savings
Home Energy Rating System (HERS)
Scott Felder Homes tests every home we build for energy efficiency. There is NO batch testing (or sampling) for energy certification. Other builders may use the same test results for up to five homes, which means your home may not have been tested. We give you peace of mind that your individual home has been tested by a third party, certified home energy auditor.
Outside of a mortgage loan, the highest cost of homeownership is energy. A home that is energy tested has several benefits, including:
- Reducing energy consumption due to air leakage
- Avoiding moisture condensation problems
- Avoiding uncomfortable drafts caused by cold air leaking in from the outdoors
- Confirming the home’s air quality is not contaminated by indoor air pollution
Scott Felder Homes confirms you have an energy-efficient home using the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Energy Test. The Residential Energy Savings Network (RESNET) HERS index is the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured, and is the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance.
- Reducing energy consumption due to air leakage
The HERS Index
The HERS Index is a scoring system in which a home built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home (based on the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code) 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 in comparison to the HERS Reference Home. 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. A home with a HERS Index of 80 is 20% more energy efficient.
Much like checking the miles per gallon rating on a car before purchasing, smart homebuyers should examine the HERS Index score to determine a home’s energy efficiency before buying.
How To determine the HERS index for a home
Two tests are conducted at different stages of construction and are completed by a third party, certified home energy auditor:
Thermal Bypass Inspection
This test is completed before the house is sheetrocked. Its primary purpose is to ensure the “building envelope” of a home is tight. This test provides standards for sealing and insulation installation practices. The guiding principle of the Thermal Bypass checklist seeks to eliminate gaps, voids, or compression that would allow for heat to enter or leave the home (adding to the heating load).
Blower Door Test
This test is done at the end of construction to calculate air leakage. A technician depressurizes the home with a blower sealed into a doorway, measuring how much air can pass through the “building envelope.” If the house is too leaky, a builder can take corrective steps to tighten the structure.
What OurHomebuyers Are Saying
"Our new home feels warm and inviting. We truly appreciate the care and craftsmanship McStain put into every detail. From the open layout to the modern kitchen space and mountain views, the home is beautiful and exceeded our expectations. A special thank you to Karri and Joe for their responsiveness and addressing our concerns along the way. We're excited to be part of the West Grange community - thank you to the entire McStain team for making this possible!"West Grange Homeowners
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