Both residential and commercial properties can quality.

Yes, landlords can pursue this tax classification for rental property. The applicant must be the

property owner.

Yes

This term refers to the next calendar year.

The process is as simple as getting in touch with a Home Energy Rater and scheduling an

appointment.

Certified Home Energy Raters. These professionals obtain their certification through the

Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). A Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and

Energy listing of home energy raters who do business in Virginia can be accessed at

The time to do a HER varies from house to house. On average, it takes 3-4 hours of work in the

field, with another 1-2 hours inputting data into the energy model software.

Yes, testers should be using the same methods in order for results to be consistent and reliable.

For those interested, the current standards can be downloaded through the following link:

Yes. The cost varies from rater to rater, and some raters will charge more for houses over a

certain square footage. According to local sources, the cost is typically in the $250-$500 range

depending on the size and age of the house.

Home energy raters should be able to provide their client with a list of recommended

improvements in order to bring the house down to a score of 70 or below. Once those

improvements are made, the rater should make another site visit to ensure the work was

completed, and to conduct new diagnostic air leakage testing ("blower door" and "duct blaster"

test), if necessary. This additional work by the rater will likely be for an additional fee