Which States are Tops in Home Energy Ratings?

First, what is an energy rating.  The best unit of measure to date with third party results is the HERS index rating. HERS stands for Home Energy Rating Score and is provided by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET.)

RESNET is a not for profit organization which was formed in 1995.  This organization was founded in order to provide transparent energy ratings for homes.  You can search their site for HERS rated homes.  These ratings are used by certifying organizations, like Energy Star, to compare one home to another.  

As a listing agent, it's always a good idea to know what you're selling. If you are selling a home that was built after 2012, you might be selling an Energy Star home.  Or even better, a LEED Certified, Zero Energy or even an NGBS certified home.  These certifications come from different organizations, but they rely on a HERS index rating as a unit of measure to understand how one home compares to another.   Builders of these homes compete with lower HERS index ratings.

Back to the question at hand!  You'll be surprised to know that Massachusetts has the MOST HERS rated  NEW homes for 2021 in the US!  (Graphics by RESNET)

The volume of homes built is shown here.  Texas has built more HERS rated homes by volume than any state. 

BUT per market share in the US OF ALL ENERGY STAR HOMES is a different story;  the darker blue states lead for total per market share Energy Star homes, of which Arizona is included! 

So the next time you are selling a home, please search the database to see if your home has been HERS rated for energy efficiency.   Sharing accurate data provides great information for a buyer and might make the home worth more at the point of sale.

Existing homes can earn HERS Ratings, too.  My  home has a VERY LOW score as it's a Net Zero home, built in 1979!   The following is an explanation of a HERS Index rating.  Most homes built in 2012 would have a rating of 100.   The lower the number/score the more energy efficient.

If you are building a home and want to find a qualified builder, check out this search site for HERS builders.   You'll enjoy lower energy bills when using a builder that knows how to build a tight, energy efficient home with good indoor air quality!

If you're thinking of selling your home in Arizona, consider using an agent with extra training that understands these features and how to garner more money when they are sold!