2011 Updated Edition of the Home Energy Rating System Booklet

Energy Efficiency can be Your Advantage in the Current Home Market

The California Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Program provides a reliable way to estimate and compare the energy efficiency of California homes and identify wise energy saving improvements. Whether you are buying or selling a home, or staying in your current residence, knowing your home energy rating will help you choose smart energy upgrades and investments that will save you in energy costs, improve your home comfort, and protect the environment. As buyers become more aware of the benefits of an energy-efficient home, homes with a favorable home energy rating may be more appealing to buyers.

In California, new homes must be built to comply with the latest Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Standards). A majority of homes, however, were built before the first Standards were established in 1978 with limited energy efficiency measures. Additionally, homes built after 1978 continue to have significant opportunities for energy efficiency improvements.

The 2011 updated edition of the HERS Booklet: What Is Your Home Energy Rating? is a colorful and informative publication created by the California Energy Commission to: Describe Whole-House Home Energy Rating services and their benefits, and how to find a certified professional HERS Rater. Provide home buyers, sellers, brokers, and appraisers with information about the opportunity to invest in energy efficiency improvements at the time-of-sale. Explain the desirability of obtaining utility bills from the seller. Identify the potential of adding sales appeal and value to your home through energy efficiency upgrades. Offer options for financing energy efficiency improvements and explain where to find tax credit and rebate information.

Click here to download and print the color version of What Is Your Home Energy Rating?

Click here to download and print the black and white version of What Is Your Home Energy Rating? (for non-color printers)

Click here for additional information for businesses and real estate professionals.

California Civil Code Section 2079.10

While location is considered an important factor in buying a home, the energy efficiency of a home should also be high on your list of priorities.
The Home Buyer's Energy Efficiency Checklist covers the areas you should consider when looking around for properties.

For more information, contact:
Energy Standards Hotline
Phone: (800) 772-3300 or (916) 654-5106
E-mail: title24@energy.state.ca.us