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In a day and age where more people are environmentally conscious and aware, it’s no surprise that more and more potential homeowners are searching for green homes with a good HERS rating. This does not apply for most North Charleston homes for sale, however when it comes to the exclusive, new homes at Baker Plantation, a Crescent Homes community, you will find that there is a big difference.
Not only is the Baker Plantation community set in a tranquil, idyllic location in the suburbs, but each of the homes is built with the highest level of craftsmanship and detail to design. Great pride is put into making each residence a green home, from programmable thermostats by Honeywell to a Takagi tankless gas hot water heater to high efficiency Carrier PURON air conditioning units, no detail is left to fall through the cracks. In addition, each residence boasts a HERS rating of 75 or better. Come learn more about what the HERS rating is and why it is so important.
What is a HERS Rating?
A Home Energy Rating, or HERS Rating, is a measurement that is taken on the energy efficiency level of a home. Ratings can be given to both new homes as well as older ones. In the U.S., the Residential Energy Services Network (called RESNET) is responsible for supplying and maintaining the RESNET Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards. They also work with quality assurance and certification to ensure accuracy.
The home energy rating that a homeowner receives can list many options and suggestions when it comes to upgrading a new or older home’s energy efficiency. For prospective buyers it can also be used as a bargaining tool and a way to compare the energy efficiency levels between several homes.
Prior to its construction, a new home is given a projected rating, which is often changed to a confirmed rating once construction has bee completed. The ratings use an index called the HERS index. Ranging from 0-100, a 100 would indicate that the energy use is similar to that of the average American building. A score of 0 would indicate that the home or building is a Zero Energy Building, which means it uses no net purchased energy. The lower the score, the better. Prior to 2006, a different method was used and was called the HERS score. Its system of testing was the opposite of the HERS index. The higher the number, the better it was.
Many different energy characteristics are measured by the home energy rater. This includes window efficiency, insulation levels, the efficiency levels of the cooling and heating system, wall-to-window ratios, the water heating system, and the solar orientation of a home. There are several ways to test the performance, such as the blower door test which checks for air and duct leakage.
Quality Assurance
As with anything else, the question of quality assurance is one that is very important. With the strictest of standards, RESNET providers go through a thorough review in quality assurance and must meet the minimum 10% requirement that is needed when submitting for a certification. They must also meet the standards of an on-site QA review with a minimum of 1% among averaged ratings that are submitted annually. All ratings are met in accordance with the RESNET standards, including the actual HERS Index rating.
It is a surprise why more North Charleston homes for sale are not green homes with a high HERS rating. At the Crescent Homes community of Baker Plantation, you will not only enjoy living in a great community that is close to amenities, but you will take pride in the fact that your new home is eco-friendly and built to the highest standard of quality. See why so many people, including young professionals, members of the military, and even retirees, are flocking to this growing community. Call today to schedule a tour at (843) 573-9635.
Baker Plantation
8177 Ronda Drive
North Charleston, SC 29406
843.818.4999
