Frequently Asked Questions
About Ratings
Credited rater training providers provide the training that rater
candidates are required to successfully complete in order to become
certified by an accredited rating provider. Q: What is a home
energy rating?
A: The home energy rating is a standard measurement of the home’s
energy efficiency. An energy rating allows a home buyer to easily
compare the energy costs for the homes being considered. Q: What is
involved in a home energy rating?
A: Home energy ratings involve an on-site inspection by a
residential energy efficiency professional – a home energy rater. Home
energy raters are trained and certified by a RESNET accredited home
energy rating system.
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, and
the solar orientation of the home.
Performance testing, such as a blower door test measuring door and duct
leakage may be used. The home receives a point score between 1 and 100,
depending on its relative efficiency. An estimate of the home’s energy
costs is also provided. A homeowner who wants to upgrade the energy
efficiency can use the energy rating to evaluate and pinpoint specific,
cost-effective improvements. Q: Can I trust the results of a home
energy rating?
A: Home energy ratings must meet the stringent standards developed
by RESNET. Raters must abide by a code of ethics, rating standards of
practice, and most disclose all financial interests to the client. The
mortgage industry recognizes the rating to qualify for an energy
efficient mortgage. Q: What can I do with an energy rating?
A: The energy rating provides the following benefits:
- When buying a home a rating allows you to compare homes according
to their energy efficiency
- A rating allows you to know the energy performance of your home
and identifies cost effective improvements that you can make to
increase your comfort and home’s performance.
- A rating is required to qualify the home for an energy efficient
mortgage • A rating is required for a home to be labeled as ENERGY
STAR
Q: How can I get a rating?
A: RESNET has posted a national directory that lists who to contact for
a rating by state.
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