What is a Passing HERS Rating Score?
A HERS Rating compares a home to be built with a standard reference home that has similar characteristics, such as building type, size and location. On a scale of 0 to 100, the lower the score the better and the more energy efficient the home.
- In 2022 a HERS Rating score of 55 or less is required to pass.
- On January 1st 2023 that requirement is set to drop to 52 or less.
- In 2024 the score will drop by a whopping 10 more points to 42.
Going Forward, is “The All-Electric Home” the Answer?
New homes in Massachusetts are already subject to strict energy codes and will need to become even more energy efficient. In the last column, we talked about how designers and builders will need to step up their game, paying more attention to construction details, HVAC equipment and appliances. Now it’s time to introduce what may be the home of the future, “The All-Electric Home”.
The All-Electric Home Benefit
Modern electric appliances make a home several times more energy efficient than one running on natural gas or oil. When electrification is done right, a homeowner can enjoy the same comfort as a fuel powered home with less expensive long-term operating costs.
Additional Benefits include:
- Generous tax credits, incentives and rebates.
- Super positive effect on the HERS Rating Score.
- All appliances and most HVAC equipment use electricity as a power source. So availability is not an issue.
- Upfront costs on electrical appliances are less. You only need an electrical outlet to power them.
- Eliminate expensive and time-consuming natural gas connections.
- Eliminate the potential for nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide gases in your indoor space. These gases are odorless, tasteless, and invisible. They are hard to detect as they accumulate in the air and make their way into your lungs.
- Eliminate the potential for gas leaks.
- Eliminate the need for an unsightly oil or propane tank.
- Eliminate the need for Carbon Monoxide detectors.
- Most electrical appliances are relatively quiet and some are noiseless. You’ll only hear a light hum as your HVAC system provides the perfect ambiance to keep you cool or warm.
- It’s commonly believed that the planet is getting warmer due to greenhouse gas emissions. All electric homes do not burn fossil fuels and therefore do not contribute directly to Global Warming.
- It’s estimated that owners of all electric homes will spend $6,000 less on energy in the long-term (10 to 15 years) when compared to homes using fossil fuels.
- The most advanced fossil fuel burning equipment is only 98% efficient. Compare that to Electric Heat Pump Technology which is approximately 400% efficient.
- Pair your electric appliances and HVAC equipment with solar panels for even greater savings and positive environmental impact.
Available Tax credits Incentives and Rebates
Fortunately, most utility companies are offering generous rebates and other incentives that offset much of the additional cost associated with implementing today’s demanding energy code requirements.
- If you live in Massachusetts there’s the Mass Save Program.
- If you live in Rhode Island, the Energy Wise Program.
Contact Energy Geeks to expedite the process.
Bottom line, owners and builders will look to HERS Raters more than ever for guidance on how to navigate this changing landscape.
If you’d like more information on how you can minimize energy consumption and maximize savings while making your home more comfortable all year round, then contact Energy Geeks. Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive and efficient solutions to reduce energy use in your home.
Call: 401-766-1540 | 508-444-9800 | Get No Cost Estimate
