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How to Measure the Energy Efficiency of a Home

As our current residents know, the Green Key Village identity is found in offering spacious, energy efficient homes with relaxing, island-influenced atmosphere.

Not only are Green Key homes beautifully designed and constructed with the highest level of quality, but they’re also built with energy efficiency front and center.

With solar panels atop each roof, Green Key residents save hundreds of dollars each year on their electric bill–all while taking eco-friendly and sustainable home measures to help the surrounding environment.

As a highly energy efficient community, each home in Green Key Village places near or below zero on the HERS Index–meaning our community’s homes are among the most energy efficient in the country.

But what exactly is the HERS Index? And why does it matter?

What HERS Says About a Home

According to the Residential Energy Services Network, the HERS Index is not only used as a home value metric, but it also functions as the industry standard for measuring a home’s energy efficiency. By definition, the HERS Score allows homeowners to live a healthier, more natural lifestyle while adding measurable value to their home.

For those looking to sell a home, a low HERS Index Score can command a higher resale price.

On the other hand, knowing the HERS Index Score of a home can help those looking to buy a home by providing data that anticipates future home expenses and required upgrades so that buyers have ample time to prepare for such costs.

It’s not uncommon for a home’s expenses to increase in order to get its energy efficiency rating up to par, so knowing a HERS Score before buying a home and putting ink to page can help a buyer prepare for costs that lie ahead. 

How the HERS Index Works

Now that we know what the HERS Index Score is, let’s outline how it works.

To ensure that a home’s Score is always relative to the shape, size, and type of home a resident lives in, a certified Home Energy Rater will assess the energy rating of your home by comparing it to data from a “reference home”–usually a model home designed with similar size and shape specifications.

The Home Energy Rater will then rate the home’s overall energy efficiency performance by assigning it an approximate score––the higher the number, the less energy efficient the home.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical new home earns a rating of 100 while a standard resale home hits about 130 on the HERS Index.

To make certain that each Geen Key home meets the highest standard of performance, our homes are individually tested and certified by Energy Star, Florida Water Star, and the Florida Green Building Coalition.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell an energy efficient home, knowing a home’s HERS Index Score can help you effectively evaluate your home options and find the best, most energy efficient home for you.