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Home Performance assessments vary widely in content and cost.

HERS AUDIT:
A HERS audit (Home Energy Rating System) inventories the physical elements of a home that relate to energy use; e.g., size of windows, age of HVAC, etc. HERS raters use software to deliver an energy efficient profile of the home (rating 1-150) and a list of potential improvements that could reduce energy use. This rating is required to qualify for an Energy Efficient Mortgage.

HOME PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT:
This tool tests the home’s systems to measure the efficiency of the heating/cooling systems, tightness of the building envelop, levels of insulation, moisture control and combustion safety. This method uses blower door, infrared camera and duct blaster equipment to determine the home’s efficiency and safety. It delivers a list of improvements that address identified problems.

CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY TESTING
Some auditors specialize in testing a home for health related issues. They focus on the interior air quality, dangerous off-gassing or chemical pollution, allergens and mold, and even electromagnetic field concerns.

ONLINE PROFILES
Web-based calculators generate generic lists of improvements based on information from the homeowner, some more thorough than others. They can give you a first look at areas of concern and suggest solutions to consider.

UTILITY RATING SERVICES
Local utilities (L) often provide in-home or online energy surveys to customers. Some offer more in depth training sessions mandated by states to retrain professional and homeowners in better building practices and energy efficiency. Classes are often free.

RATING SYSTEMS
Energy Star™, LEED – H, HERS, CHEERS, GREEN POINT RATER, BPI and NGBS are a few of the rating systems established by federal, state and professional organizations to measure the energy efficiency or performance standards of homes and appliances. In 2008 many of these organizations will publish more comprehensive standards for rating the performance of existing homes.