A HERS test is one of the smartest steps you can take if you want to cut energy costs, boost your home’s value, or make sure a new build meets modern efficiency standards. Short for Home Energy Rating System, this test evaluates your home’s energy performance and assigns it a score on a 0–150+ scale. The lower the score, the more efficient — and valuable — your home is.
Most homeowners pay between $500 and $800 for a professional HERS rating, depending on the size of the home, location, and whether the test is part of a real estate transaction or new construction. In some states, HERS testing is required for new builds, renovations, or when applying for energy efficiency rebates.
A good HERS score doesn’t just reduce monthly utility bills. It can also increase resale value and help you qualify for programs like ENERGY STAR certification. And if your home scores poorly, the report pinpoints exactly where you’re losing energy so you can prioritize the most cost-effective upgrades.
In this guide, we’ll break down what a HERS test includes, how scores are calculated, and when it makes sense to schedule one. Whether you’re selling, remodeling, or just looking to save on heating and cooling, this rating can help you make smart, energy-wise decisions.
Why Your Home’s HERS Rating Matters
Whether you’re selling your home, building a new one, or planning upgrades, a HERS score gives you a clear picture of how energy-efficient the property is. A better score can boost your home’s value, lower your energy bills, and even help you qualify for incentives like ENERGY STAR certification or local utility rebates.
Buyers are starting to pay more attention to long-term costs, and energy efficiency is a major selling point. If you’re putting your home on the market, a good HERS score can justify a higher asking price. If you’re staying put, the rating helps you decide where to invest — things like sealing air leaks, upgrading insulation, or installing a more efficient HVAC system will typically offer the best return.
For new homes, many states now require HERS testing as part of building code compliance. Builders often aim for a score below 70 to meet energy code or green building requirements, and some go even lower to stand out in competitive markets.
What To Expect From HERS Testing
A HERS test is done by a certified professional known as a HERS Rater. Most tests take two to four hours and involve a full energy audit of your home’s major systems. You’ll need your heating and cooling systems to be running before the test begins.
The rater will inspect and test components like:
- Heating and cooling equipment (efficiency ratings, refrigerant levels, thermostat performance)
- Ductwork (airflow and leak testing)
- Insulation (especially in attics, crawlspaces, and walls)
- Windows and exterior doors (thermal performance and sealing)
- Water heater and major appliances
- Building airtightness using a blower door test
- Infrared imaging to locate heat loss or poor insulation
Using all this data, the rater compares your home to a “Reference Home” of the same size and layout and then calculates a HERS score based on how much energy your home is expected to use.
If your home scores higher than average (meaning it’s less efficient), the test results will highlight specific issues. Most raters include a list of suggested upgrades with cost-benefit estimates, so you can focus on improvements that deliver real energy savings.
Other tests include the blower door test to measure the building’s airtightness and check for leaks, as well as the use of infrared scanning to spot areas of energy waste due to insufficient insulation.
Understanding HERS Scores
Your HERS score shows how energy-efficient your home is on a scale where lower is better. A score of 100 equals a standard home built to 2006 code. Every point above or below that represents a 1% difference in energy use.
Here’s what your score means:
- 130 and up: Older homes with little to no energy upgrades. These homes use 30% more energy or more and often need major improvements.
- 100: A typical new home built to basic energy code. It meets minimum standards but may lack efficient systems or insulation.
- 85: ENERGY STAR-qualifying homes. These include efficiency upgrades like better insulation or a high-efficiency HVAC system.
- 70: Upgraded homes or energy-conscious new builds. Features may include efficient windows, sealed ductwork, and extra insulation.
- 50 and below: High-performance or green-certified homes. These homes use about half the energy of a standard home and include extensive upgrades.
- 0: Net-zero homes. These generate as much energy as they use through renewable sources like solar panels and top-tier efficiency features.
If your home scores over 100, you’re losing money on energy every month. Targeting problem areas—like air leaks, insulation, or outdated equipment—can make a big difference in comfort and costs.
So, Should You Get a HERS Test?
If you’re planning to sell your home, build a new one, or invest in energy upgrades, getting a HERS test is a smart move. It gives you a clear picture of where your home stands, what improvements will deliver the best return, and how to cut down your monthly energy costs.
In many states, HERS testing is required for new construction or major renovations. Even if it’s not mandatory, the information you get from a certified HERS Rater can help you prioritize upgrades, qualify for rebates, and boost your home’s resale value.
If your home is older or hasn’t had major energy updates in the past 10 to 15 years, a HERS test is worth the investment. It’s the first step toward a more comfortable, efficient, and valuable home.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score measures how efficient your home is compared to a standard new home built to 2006 energy code. A certified HERS Rater evaluates everything from insulation levels to window performance and HVAC efficiency. A score of 100 represents a code-compliant baseline, while lower scores mean better energy performance. For example, a score of 70 means the home is 30% more efficient than the standard. A score of 0 means the home produces as much energy as it uses — a net-zero energy home.
Most HERS tests take between two and four hours, depending on the size and layout of the home. The rater performs both visual inspections and diagnostic tests, such as blower door and duct leakage tests. For accurate results, your HVAC system should be fully operational before the test. For new construction, the rating process begins with a projected score based on design plans and ends with final testing after the home is built.
A low score means your home is more energy-efficient. The lower the number, the less energy your home is expected to use. A score under 85 qualifies for ENERGY STAR certification, and homes with scores in the 50s or below are usually high-performance builds with features like advanced insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and airtight construction. If your score is above 100, your home uses more energy than a standard new build, and it’s worth looking into improvements like sealing air leaks, upgrading windows, or improving insulation.
