HERS Rater

Bragg Plumbing & Heating is officially certified as a “HERS Rater” (Home Energy Rating System) by CALCERTS Inc. and the California Energy Commission. This allows us to perform duct testing and to certify their results for both PG&E and your local building department when required for inspection purposes.

What is a Home Energy Rating (HERS) ?

Getting information on the relative energy efficiency of washers, dryers, heating systems, computers and cars is easy for a consumer - just check the product efficiency label on the product. Ironically, when buying a home, the largest single purchase and by far the biggest source of energy bills for most families, consumers do not have such a reference. A home energy rating, comparable to checking the miles per gallon sticker on a new car, fills that need.

The home energy rating system (HERS) is a standard measurement of a home's energy efficiency. An energy rating allows a home buyer to easily compare the energy costs for the homes being considered. A home owner who wants to upgrade the home's energy efficiency can use the energy rating to evaluate and pinpoint specific, cost-effective improvements.

The home energy rater inspects the home and measures its energy characteristics, such as insulation levels, window efficiency, wall-to-window ratios, the heating and cooling system efficiency, the solar orientation of the home, and the water heating system. Diagnostic testing, such as blower door for air leakage and duct blaster leakage testing, is often part of the rating.

The data gathered by the home energy rater is input into a computer program and translated into points. The home receives a point score between 1 to 100, depending on its relative efficiency. An estimate of the home's energy costs is also provided. Along with the rating sheet, a home owner receives a report listing cost-effective options for improving the home's energy rating.

If you are looking for a HERS Rater contractor please call us today at (800) 634-2724  or complete our online request form.