HERS Rating
RESNET-certified HERS ratings, energy modeling, and IECC compliance. NCI field techs, fixed-fee proposals in 24 hours.
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Since 2009
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A HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index score tells you how energy-efficient a home is on a 0-100+ scale, where 100 is a 2006 code-built home and 0 is net-zero. HECS is a RESNET-certified HERS rater and delivers certified HERS Index scores for builders, homebuyers, code compliance, ENERGY STAR, NGBS Green, and EarthCraft.
What is HERS Rating?
The HERS Index was developed by RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) in 2006. A HECS HERS rater models the home in approved software (REM/Rate, Ekotrope, or EnergyGauge), then verifies the model with an on-site test that includes a blower door test, duct leakage test, and inspection of insulation, windows, HVAC, and water heating equipment.
The score is a single number. A HERS Index of 70 means the home uses 30% less energy than a 2006 code-built reference home of the same size and shape. A HERS Index of 50 means 50% more efficient. A score of 0 is net-zero; negative scores are net-positive (the home produces more energy than it uses).
Most new homes built to the 2021 IECC score 60-70. ENERGY STAR v3 certified homes score 50-60. Net-zero homes score 0 or below. Existing homes typically score 100-150; the 2006 baseline is 100, and older homes can score higher (worse).
Who needs hers rating?
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Homebuilders needing ENERGY STAR v3, NGBS Green, or EarthCraft certification.
Homebuyers commissioning a pre-purchase energy rating.
Code officials requiring a 2021 IECC Section R405 energy compliance certificate.
Multifamily developers needing ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) certification.
Homeowners applying for energy-efficiency mortgage (EEM) financing or pursuing a deep-energy retrofit.
HECS’s process for hers rating
- Pre-construction plan review (1-2 weeks before framing). Builder sends architectural plans, window/door schedule, insulation spec, HVAC sizing calc, and water heater spec. HECS models the home in REM/Rate and identifies cost-effective upgrades that improve the score before construction.
- Pre-drywall inspection (1-2 hour site visit). HECS inspector verifies framing, window U-factors, insulation R-values, air sealing details, and duct routing before drywall closes the walls. Pre-drywall is the single biggest score-saver on any HERS-rated home.
- Final on-site test (3-5 hours on site). Blower door test, duct leakage test, ventilation check, HVAC startup verification, water heating inspection, and lighting/appliance check. Tech measures every input that affects the model.
- Final energy model and HERS Index. Inputs from the final test go into REM/Rate. Modeled energy use is divided by reference energy use to get the HERS Index.
- Certified HERS Index certificate (delivered 1 week after final). HECS issues the HERS Index certificate with the rated home’s score, the reference home’s score, and the dollar-amount of annual energy savings. Certificate is valid for code-official, lender, ENERGY STAR, and program submission.
HERS Rating pricing (2026 benchmark)
| Project type | 2026 cost |
|---|---|
| Single family (new construction, full rating) | $400 – $800 |
| Single family (existing home / pre-purchase) | $400 – $600 |
| Pre-drywall inspection only | $200 – $350 |
| Final test only (existing home) | $300 – $500 |
| Multifamily (per unit, MFNC) | $300 – $500 per unit (volume discount at 10+ units) |
| ENERGY STAR v3 / NGBS / EarthCraft coordination | Bundled with rating |
Pricing is 2026 Midwest benchmark. Travel bundled with related services. Fixed-fee proposal within 24 hours of a free scoping call.
Service area
HECS delivers HERS ratings across Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Illinois, and Missouri. Most ratings are scheduled 4-8 weeks ahead. ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) projects are scheduled at the start of construction for plan review coordination.
HECS also delivers hers rating in:
HERS Rating — frequently asked questions
What is a good HERS score?
For 2026 new construction, a HERS Index of 60-70 is a good code-built home. 50-60 is ENERGY STAR v3. 0 is net-zero. For existing homes, a score of 100-130 is typical, and a 30-point improvement (e.g., 130 to 100) represents a major retrofit.
How long does a HERS rating take?
Plan review: 1-2 weeks. Pre-drywall: 1-2 hours on site. Final: 3-5 hours on site. Certificate: 1 week after final. Total project timeline: 3-12 months depending on construction schedule.
Do I need a HERS rating for ENERGY STAR?
Yes. ENERGY STAR v3.0 (and the newer 3.1) requires a HERS Index. ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction uses the HERS Index for the energy cost savings calculation.
What’s the difference between HERS Index and a home energy audit?
A HERS Index is a scored rating that produces a single number. A home energy audit is a diagnostic with prioritized recommendations. HECS does both — the audit can include a HERS rating for an additional fee.
Does a HERS rating expire?
No, the certificate doesn’t expire, but the home’s score changes if you renovate. Most lenders and programs accept a HERS rating within 12 months.
Can an existing home get a HERS rating?
Yes. HECS rates existing homes for pre-purchase diligence, energy-efficiency mortgage (EEM) financing, and post-retrofit verification. The same test protocol applies; the model uses measured existing conditions.
Related HECS services
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