Meet Gardner Luxury Homes

What is the HERS rating? According to Energy Star, a home energy rating, or HERS rating, is an analysis of a home’s projected energy efficiency compared to the efficiency of a ‘reference home’ that meets the requirements of the latest residential energy code, known as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). A home energy rating involves both an analysis of a home’s construc- tion plans, as well as onsite inspections and testing by a certified Home Energy Rater. A Home En- ergy Rater uses specially designed software to analyze the expected energy use of the home based on the home’s construction plans. This analysis yields a projected, pre construction rating score for this home (called a HERS Index). When the rating is being conducted for the purposes of ENERGY STAR certification, the Rater then works with the builder to identify the energy efficiency features needed to ensure the house will meet ENERGY STAR performance guidelines.

The Rater then conducts onsite inspections, typically including a blower door test (to test the leaki- ness of the house) and a duct test (to test the leakiness of the ducts). Results of these tests, along with data from the software analysis, are used to generate a final HERS Index score for the home. The lower a home’s HERS Index, the more energy efficient it is. A home built to code scores a HERS Index of 100, while a net zero energy home scores a HERS Index of 0. Each 1–point de- crease in the HERS Index corresponds to a 1% reduction in energy consumption compared to the HERS Reference Home. Thus, a home with a HERS Index of 85 is 15% more energy efficient than the reference home and a home with a HERS Index of 80 is 20% more energy efficient. The HERS rating system is administered by RESNET — the Residential Energy Services Network.

Leach also stated that customers have a variety of options when it comes to constructing their home. “From solar panels to recirculation systems, we go and will go as green as our customers want, Leach says.” “Having this building philosophy really stems from being in Channahon and re- specting our love for mother nature, given all of Channahon’s abundant natural resources”, accord- ing to Leach. “You have the Four Rivers Environmental Center, Arroyo Trails which is across from our development Copper Leaf, The Channahon Park District, Channahon State Park and McKinley Woods – all things nature. We love protecting our environment and are committed doing so in a thoughtful and ethical way for our customers.”

Currently, Leach says he is working on a new customers home in Copper Leaf that will have two electric vehicle charging stations in the garage. “Because residential charging is convenient and in- expensive, most plug–in electric vehicle (also known as electric cars or EVs) drivers do more than 80% of their charging at home. Charging in a single–family home, in the case of our customer, allows them to take advantage of low, stable residential electricity rates. The cost to run your car over the course of a year can be less than running an air conditioner.”