The SkyeTec Certification Program for New Home Energy Performance provides a home energy rating similar to the miles-per-gallon (MPG) rating for the auto industry. SkyeTec's program utilizes the HERS™ Index in order to provide a quantitative, standard measure of the home's expected energy performance.
As the widespread asset rating system for energy efficiency technical performance, the HERS Index provides an estimate of home energy consumption as well as related carbon emissions. The rating is calculated based on standard operation assumptions so that you can compare the energy performance of one home against another. As a homebuyer, you can make more informed decisions by simply and directly comparing energy consumption between homes, similar to comparing tax rates and school districts.
The home's energy efficiency rating is represented on a scale of 0 to 150. The lower a home's HERS Index rating, the more energy efficient it is, like a golf score. A rating of 150 represents a home with major air leakage, no insulation and extremely high energy consumption. A rating of 0 represents a net-zero energy home that is airtight, well insulated, sufficiently ventilated and requires no purchased energy on an annual basis. See the "Understanding HERS Ratings" page for more explanation of your home's energy rating.
Through the use of energy-efficient building practices and technologies, ICI Homes has provided quality construction with ongoing savings opportunities built in. High performing, energy efficient homes exceed the energy performance requirements of current building and energy codes and meet a high standard of environmental responsibility.
An energy-efficient, high performing home is more comfortable to live in, has environmental benefits with less energy and water use, and will save you money every month. Implementing preventive maintenance measures and a conservation-oriented lifestyle allow the home to perform optimally.
In order to build a high performing, energy efficient home, careful planning begins in the design phase. SkyeTec's energy advisors certified through the RESNET Energy Rating System utilize their integrated knowledge of building science and energy science to work with the bulder to achieve a plan for superior levels of energy efficiency.
SkyeTec plan reviewers analyze the home's design and provide a preliminary analysis, noting components that will affect the energy efficiency of the house (i.e. mechanical equipment, windows, building envelope, insulation levels, etc.). The home's design, orientation on the lot, component specifications and local climate data are used in the analysis. This information is input into RESNET's energy simulation software to determine the estimated annual energy usage and HERS Index rating for the home as per the plans.
During construction SkyeTec energy raters visit the home to verify that the construction conforms to the approved plans. After construction is complete, SkyeTec raters perform a blower door and duct blaster test. These air leakage tests quantitatively verify that the air leakage from the duct system and the building envelope doesn't exceed a specified level.
Once these quality assurance steps are completed, the home's data file is sent to the RESNET provider for third-party data validation. After the data has been approved, the homeowner is provided with the evaluation certificate and official label that shows the HERS Index rating of the home, which is also affixed to the electrical panel.
The certificate provides the estimated monthly energy usage and cost of the home for electricity, gas and/or oil for a typical family of four (assuming standard temperature, lighting, appliance and hot water usage). This is only an average saving. Residents who use their energy features in their home wisely can save even more. Recommendations for maintaining the efficiency of the home and its major installed equipment are provided at closing.
The HERS™ Index is a registered trademark of the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). More information about the HERS Index rating can be found on RESNET's website at http://www.resnet.us.