A Home Energy Rater conducts an analysis of a new home’s construction plans and performs on-site inspections. Based on the home’s plans, the Home Energy Rater uses an energy efficiency software package to perform an energy analysis of the home’s design. This analysis yields a projected, pre-construction rating on the HERS Index. Upon completion of the plan review, the HERS Rater will work with your builder to identify the energy efficiency improvements needed to ensure the house will meet ENERGY STAR performance guidelines. The Rater then conducts on-site inspections, typically including a blower door test (to test the leakiness of the house) and a duct test (to test the leakiness of the ducts). Results of these tests, along with inputs derived from the plan review, are used to generate the home's efficiency rating on the HERS Index. Unlike a Building Performance Audit or a weatherization assessment, a home energy rating is a recognized tool in the mortgage industry and for government incentives for energy efficiency. The HERS Index quantifies the energy performance of a home based on a set standard, and therefore provides an easy way to compare the energy efficiency of different homes.