According to RESNET’s Trends in HERS Rated Homes – A Statistical Abstract 2023, Massachusetts has ranked No. 1 again with 82% of new homes receiving a HERS rating, followed by Indiana with 68%. Eight states achieved 50% or more of new homes being HERS rated for last year. In total number of HERS ratings, Texas comes out on top with over 81,000.
From 2013 to 2022, there has been a 129% increase in annual HERS ratings. A HERS Index Score, available only via certified RESNET energy raters, is based on several energy-efficiency variables, including exterior walls, attic, windows and doors, heating and cooling systems, ductwork, water heating systems, lighting, and appliances. In 2022, HERS raters rated nearly 338,000 homes—80% of which were single-family and 20% multifamily.
Unchanged from 2021, the average HERS Index in 2022 for both single-family and multifamily was 58. Since 2013, the average HERS index score has decreased by five points.
Basic characteristics in 2022 for the average single-family HERS-rated home:
- Number of bedrooms: 3.7
- Conditioned floor area: 2,665 square feet
- Annual energy cost: $1,672
- Annual energy cost savings: $800
Basic characteristics in 2022 for the average multifamily HERS-rated dwelling unit:
- Number of bedrooms: 2.4
- Conditioned floor area: 1,467 square feet
- Annual energy cost: $1,171
- Annual energy cost savings: $551
An increase from 4,000 in 2021, homes in 5,500 individual municipalities completed HERS ratings last year. San Antonio ranked No. 1 for the highest number of HERS ratings at more than 7,400 homes. Las Vegas follows San Antonio with 3,497 ratings. Katy, Texas; Conroe, Texas; and Houston complete the top five municipality rankings with 3,344, 2,983, and 2,821 ratings, respectively. The top 25 municipalities are located across seven states and were responsible for 15% of HERS ratings last year.
For multifamily ratings only, there were HERS-rated units in more than 1,100 municipalities. Charlotte, North Carolina, took the top spot in 2022 with over 1,200 units rated. Boston; Phoenix; Richmond, Virginia; and Las Vegas round out the top five. The top 25 municipalities for multifamily ratings are located across 13 states and Washington, D.C., and are responsible for nearly 25% of all multifamily HERS ratings last year.
The report was developed by Ryan Meres, RESNET programs director, on behalf of RESNET’s Suppliers Advisory Board.
