Whether you are in the market to buy or sell a residential property every Californian should know his or her home energy rating. Energy that's wasted means more than just wasting money - it hurts our environment and if we don't act now we risk an uncertain future with our climate.
The California Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Program is a reliable way to calculate and compare the energy efficiency of homes throughout California and it helps to identify wise energy saving improvements. Knowing a home's energy rating enables the homeowner to select smart energy upgrades such as energy efficient appliances. Improvements such as these will not only benefit your family right now but for generations to come.
When you are considering the sale or purchase of a home, it's important to recognize what energy efficiency measures have already been built into a home, or additional ways to make further improvements to save energy and reduce energy demand.
A home energy rating involves analyzing a home's construction plans by a Rater as well as an onsite inspection. In order for the home to have an official HERS rating only a properly prepared HERS Report will receive an official California Home Energy Rating Certificate with the California Energy Commission's seal.
However, there are some do-it-yourself improvements that are easy, inexpensive and does not require a HERS rating to pay you back quickly.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
- Replace all nightlights and holiday lights with light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
- Choose ENERGY STAR appliances, computers, and televisions.
- Use Caulk and spray foam to fill all visible air gaps
- Insulate the first 5 feet of pipes from the cold and hot water heater.
- Add or repair weather stripping on all doors and windows.
- Clean or replace furnace air filters monthly.
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
- Plant shade trees.
California Civil Code Section 2079.10 requires the home seller or broker to disclose to the buyer the existence of California Home Energy Rating Program and the law further states that if the programs booklet is provided to the buyer in connection with the transfer of real property, then the booklet will be adequate in meeting the disclosure requirements set by the state.
Property I.D. now includes the HERS booklet along with our report and it is also available for download off our website at http://www.propertyid.com.