If you’re considering making your home more energy-efficient or are in the process of getting a HERS rating, you might come across a bunch of technical terms and acronyms that seem like alphabet soup. Don’t worry; we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll break down the HERS test glossary to make it easier for you to navigate the world of home energy efficiency.

1. HERS (Home Energy Rating System):

  • The HERS Index is a nationally recognized system for measuring a home’s energy efficiency. It quantifies the energy performance of a home on a scale from 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating higher efficiency.

2. Energy Audit:

  • A thorough examination of a home’s energy usage, including inspections of insulation, HVAC systems, lighting, and appliances. This helps identify areas where energy efficiency improvements can be made.

3. Blower Door Test:

  • A diagnostic test that measures a home’s airtightness. A blower door is installed in an exterior door frame, and a fan depressurizes the house to locate air leaks.

4. Duct Leakage Test:

  • Measures the amount of conditioned air lost through leaks in a home’s ductwork. It’s crucial for assessing HVAC system efficiency.

5. R-Value:

  • A measure of thermal resistance; the higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow.

6. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio):

  • A rating that measures the efficiency of air conditioning systems. Higher SEER values indicate more efficient cooling systems.

7. EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio):

  • Similar to SEER but specifically measures efficiency at a constant outdoor temperature. It’s useful for evaluating performance on hot days.

8. U-Factor:

  • Measures the rate of heat transfer through windows, doors, and other building components. Lower U-factor values indicate better insulation.

9. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC):

  • Measures the fraction of solar radiation that enters a home through windows. Lower SHGC values mean less solar heat gain, which can reduce cooling costs.

10. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): – The system that regulates a home’s indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality.

11. Thermal Bridging: – Occurs when a conductive material in a building, such as a metal stud or beam, allows heat to flow more easily, reducing insulation’s effectiveness.

12. Infiltration: – The unintended flow of outdoor air into a building through gaps, cracks, and openings in the building envelope.

13. Building Envelope: – The physical barrier that separates the conditioned indoor space from the unconditioned outdoor environment. It includes walls, roofs, windows, and doors.

14. Insulation: – Materials used to reduce heat transfer through walls, ceilings, and floors, improving energy efficiency.

15. Ventilation Rate: – The amount of outdoor air that needs to be introduced into a building to maintain indoor air quality.

Understanding these terms will help you make informed decisions about improving your home’s energy efficiency and interpreting your HERS rating. Whether you’re looking to reduce energy bills or make your home more environmentally friendly, the HERS test and its glossary are valuable resources to guide you on your journey toward a more energy-efficient home.

Remember that working with a certified HERS rater is essential when conducting energy audits and HERS testing, as they have the expertise to assess and recommend the most effective improvements for your specific home.

Now that you’re armed with this glossary, you’re better prepared to take control of your home’s energy efficiency and make a positive impact on your comfort and the environment.