E-Star Home Energy Ratings

A Home Energy Rating is an objective measure of a home’s energy-efficiency, accomplished through detailed technical inspection and testing by a certified Rater, and analyzed by an accredited Home Energy Rating System (HERS). The E-Star Rating takes into consideration measurements or tests of insulation, windows, walls, basements, attics, crawl spaces, HVAC systems, water heaters, building leakiness, and solar orientation. These inputs are run through E-Star’s proprietary and approved software to produce an energy rating. E-Star is an accredited (HERS) provider, and the major trainer and certifier of Home Energy Raters in Colorado. E-Stars Raters provide independent third-party ratings for new and existing homes. An energy rating is a score expressed on a scale from zero to one hundred points, and can be thought of as a residential miles-per-gallon sticker. Such ratings serve many purposes, such as providing qualification for a special energy-efficiency mortgage for the homebuyer, providing proof of quality construction for builders, and providing property-specific recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements for builders or homeowners.

For Builders. Builders find that energy-efficient construction produces a higher quality home. Higher quality construction means happier homeowners and fewer callbacks. The E-Star Energy Rating provides an objective measure of that quality, which can be used as a selling point.

For Homebuyers. Homebuyers will appreciate the quality and decreased utility use of their energy-efficient home. The homebuyer may qualify for an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) if the home attains an adequate energy rating, thereby expanding purchasing power.

For Homeowners. Homeowners can improve the energy-efficiency of their existing home following the recommendations of the E-Star Rating. The costs of any such cost-effective energy-efficiency improvements implemented can be rolled into an Energy Improvement Mortgage (EIM).