Home Energy Rating Variability Study

Home energy ratings are experiencing a growing role in energy code compliance. HERS Raters, in particular, often provide third-party verification services for minimum and above-code programs, including traditional compliance pathways contained in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and more recently the Energy Rating Index (ERI) pathway. In recognition of this trend, the U.S. Department of Energy commissioned a study exploring the consistency and replicability of the HERS system, and in anticipation of HERS Raters assuming a greater role in energy code compliance.

Study Highlights:

• Data was collected by the Regional Energy Efficiency Organizations (REEO) under direction of the U.S. Department of Energy
• The Study was designed to assess variation in ratings for new houses, sampling homes in each REEO region for a total of eleven homes in geographically dispersed locations across the U.S.
• The study was conducted as a blind study to ensure unbiased results
• No individual identifying information was disclosed in order to ensure privacy and confidentiality of those contributing to each rating

Read the Report