You know the phrase ‘Trust but verify.’ This is especially true when the product is a new home and is likely one of the largest and long-lasting investments of your life.
Testing and Verification
To compare new and existing homes objectively, the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) created a scoring tool called the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index. They assigned a benchmark score of 100 to a Reference Home that meets the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code. They assigned 0 and less to a net-zero energy home.
The Lower the Better
The lower a home scores on the Index, the more energy-efficient it is. Every 1-point decrease in the HERS Index equals a 1% reduction in energy consumption compared to the Reference Home. Stitt homes currently average 52 on the HERS index!
We want to share some recent HERS scores from Stitt Homes, which we’ve designed and built. These scores reflect our proven commitment to energy efficiency, demonstrating data-backed results that ensure energy savings while maintaining optimal comfort in your home.
Stitt Home 1
- Energy-efficient home, without solar power.
- Home size (total heated & Cooled): 2006 Sq ft.
- Built in 2022
- HERS score: 49
Stitt Home 3
- Off-grid and Energy-efficient home, with a 6 Kw solar system, and a 9.6 kWh battery.
- Home size (total heated & Cooled): 1670 Sq ft.
- Built in 2024
- HERS score: -1. This is a Net-zero home.
Certified raters test the following:
- Insulation (amount & quality of installation)
- Ventilation (indoor air quality)
- Tightness (air sealing)
- Heating and cooling systems (are they sized right?)
- Water heater and appliance efficiency
- Solar gain (free solar energy!)
Try the HERS Index interactive tool to see the difference a score makes. It’s nice to trust: it’s wise to have proof.