A Home Energy Rating System (HERS) test for an air conditioning unit is a standardized evaluation process used to determine the energy efficiency of a residential cooling system and its installation. It involves a certified HERS rater inspecting the unit, ductwork, and insulation to assess its performance against established energy efficiency standards. This assessment often includes blower door tests to measure air leakage in the building envelope, duct leakage tests to quantify air loss through the duct system, and visual inspection of the air conditioning equipment and its installation.
The purpose of this assessment is to provide homeowners with a clear understanding of their cooling system’s energy performance and identify areas for improvement. A lower HERS score indicates better energy efficiency, leading to reduced energy consumption, lower utility bills, and increased home comfort. The rating process has become increasingly important as building codes evolve and energy efficiency incentives become more prevalent. It provides a standardized benchmark for comparing the energy performance of different homes and helps to ensure that new construction and renovation projects meet specified energy efficiency requirements.
