Energy Vanguard Energy Ratings (EVER), a program of Energy Vanguard, received its accreditation as a Home Energy Rating Provider from RESNET in April 2009. We are now listed on the RESNET website and are accepting applications from prospective Home Energy Raters. 
To become a certified Home Energy Rater, a person must first successfully complete training through an accredited Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Training Provider. Their next step after the training is to sign an agreement with an accredited Rating Provider. The Rating Provider guides them through a probationary process aimed at giving the budding rater further training. Upon certification, a rater may then produce home energy ratings for their clients.
Home energy ratings model the energy performance of a home, breaking down the energy loads into heating, cooling, water heating, and lights & appliances. They're used to demonstrate compliance with energy codes, to qualify new homes for programs like ENERGY STAR, and to give homeowners valuable information about the performance of their homes.
One of the most common uses of home energy ratings is to qualify houses for the ENERGY STAR label. A home that is 15% (in most of the US) more energy efficient than one built to the energy code and meets some other requirements can achieve this designation. Energy Vanguard is now an ENERGY STAR partner and can help builders qualify their homes for this honor.
Another not so well known use for home energy ratings is to qualify houses for Energy Efficiency Mortgages (EEMs) or Energy Improvement Mortgages (EIMs). These types of loans allow homebuyers to qualify for higher loan amounts, based on the energy savings of the more efficient home, or to include the cost of energy efficiency improvements in the mortgage.
If you're looking for someone to do a home energy rating for you, or if you've gone through a rater training class and are looking for a Rating Provider, Energy Vanguard can help you. Contact us today and we'll help you get started!