Why You Should Add a HERS Rater or Energy Advisor to Your Pre-Construction Team

<h1>Why You Should Add a HERS Rater or Energy Advisor to Your Pre-Construction Team</h1>

<p>Published June 10, 2025 by Audree Grubesic. The article argues that high-performance homes require early collaboration with a HERS Rater in the U.S. or an Energy Advisor in Canada.</p>

<h2>What a HERS Rater does</h2>
<p>HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System. A certified HERS Rater evaluates home energy efficiency through modeling, testing, and in-field inspections.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Reviews architectural plans before construction starts.</li>
  <li>Estimates heating and cooling loads.</li>
  <li>Assesses insulation values and airtightness.</li>
  <li>Looks at the impact of material choices.</li>
  <li>Returns during construction for in-process inspections.</li>
</ul>
<p>The goal is to confirm that the home is built as planned and can meet energy code or certification requirements, including Energy Star.</p>

<h2>Why early involvement matters</h2>
<p>The article says the best time to bring in an energy expert is before construction begins. At that stage, teams can change drawings, insulation, or window selections before those decisions become expensive mistakes.</p>
<p>Shawn St-Amour is quoted as saying, “It's a lot easier to change pixels and bytes than to tear out drywall or rerun HVAC ductwork.”</p>

<h2>Tools and expertise</h2>
<p>In Canada, Energy Advisors are often also trained as Passive House consultants. They may use modeling tools such as HOT2000, WUFI, or PHPP.</p>
<p>These tools help compare real performance impacts from different windows, insulation levels, and material choices.</p>

<h3>Examples of decisions they can help with</h3>
<ul>
  <li>Compare two window manufacturers.</li>
  <li>Estimate the return on extra insulation.</li>
  <li>Evaluate wall assemblies and air sealing details.</li>
  <li>Support code compliance and incentive program requirements.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Broader perspective</h2>
<p>The article says energy advisors often work across hundreds of projects, so they can offer practical alternatives that builders may not consider. One example given is suggesting a wall assembly that is cheaper and easier to install than spray foam while still meeting code.</p>

<h2>Testing during construction</h2>
<p>The piece recommends not waiting until the final blower door test. Mid-construction testing and regular inspections can catch leaks and other problems early.</p>
<p>Energy experts can also troubleshoot quickly because they have likely seen similar issues before.</p>

<h2>Embodied carbon</h2>
<p>The article notes that in places like Vancouver, energy advisors may also provide embodied carbon analysis. This helps clients understand the carbon footprint of building materials, not just operational energy use.</p>

<h2>Where to find one</h2>
<ul>
  <li>In the U.S., EnergyStar.gov has a “Find a Rater” search for HERS Raters.</li>
  <li>In Canada, provinces and organizations like Natural Resources Canada maintain lists of licensed Energy Advisors.</li>
</ul>
<p>These professionals may assist with HOT2000 modeling, blower door tests, and third-party verification for energy incentive programs and code compliance.</p>

<h2>Final takeaway</h2>
<p>The article concludes that high-performance homes do not happen by accident. Adding a HERS Rater or Energy Advisor early can improve performance, comfort, sustainability, and long-term durability.</p>