Now you’re in control.

Because of its special characteristics, your new HERS Index Home requires some special care.  After all, it can only work as well as you can maintain and respect its design and performance characteristics.  This Rating Report offers ideas for you to maintain and control your homes’ systems for optimal performance. Read the following pages carefully and consider the recommended tips.

Air tightness is the key.

Every HERS Index Home is built to be “tight,” meaning that unwanted and uncontrolled air movement is minimized.  This draft-free design and construction is one of the primary reasons why your home is more comfortable, durable and energy efficient.

HVAC Equipment.

An important feature of your HERS Index Home is the type of equipment that has been installed, such as heating, cooling and water heating.  This equipment, coupled with the other components of the home, enables the home to achieve the better than code goal of the HERS Index Home.  

Read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Be sure to follow manufactures’ recommendations for care and maintenance of all HVAC equipment.  Maintenance and inspections often include (but are not limited to):

  • Inspect and change or clean furnace filters.

  • Schedule professional inspections and tune-ups.

  • Inspect air intake and exhaust ports. Keep them clear of any obstructions such as overgrown shrubbery, grass clippings, insects, bird nests, and snow.

Relative Humidity Control.

Use a relative humidity gauge.

A relative humidity gauge is an instrument that measures relative humidity (RH). For ideal comfort and indoor air quality, regularly monitor the relative humidity in your home with a relative humidity gauge.

  • In winter, operate your exhaust fans and/or humidifier to maintain an indoor RH between 30 percent and 50 percent at 70 degrees F.

  • In late spring, summer and early fall, higher indoor RH is normal and can be controlled using air conditioning and/or a dehumidifier.

 Watch your windows.

Excessive or repeated condensation on your windows is a sign you may not be managing your house properly.  Either there’s too much moisture in the air or the window surfaces are too cool.

  • Reduce moisture in the house by using dehumidifiers and/or exhaust fans.

  • Increase the indoor air temperature until the condensation disappears.

In some new homes, a little condensation along the bottom edge of a window may appear during the first and sometimes second heating seasons.  This is due to the additional moisture from drying concrete and other building components.  Just wipe off the moisture to protect the window, wood and finish.  House plants are another source of moisture in homes. Just remember to maintain 30 to 50 percent RH at 70 degrees F.  

Use window coverings wisely.

Interior screens, blinds and other coverings block air flow to the window and significantly cool the glass surfaces.  In winter, this increases the potential for condensation and associated problems.  It’s better to let air periodically circulate in front of the windows during the winter.

  • Remove interior screen where and when possible.

  • Avoid leaving curtains or blinds drawn for long periods of time. 

Vent during household activities.

Cooking, bathing, and cleaning produce moisture. Use your exhaust fans located in those areas during and for about 20 minutes after each activity, to help control the buildup of moisture.

Control your thermostat.

Throughout the year, try to avoid extreme temperature settings and/or large swings in indoor air temperature.  Doing so can help reduce your heating and cooling costs while maintaining consistent comfort and control over relative humidity and possible window condensation.  Whether you have a programmable thermostat or a manual one...

  • Follow manufacture’s recommendations for setting and use of the thermostat.

  • Avoid indoor air temperatures below 65 degrees F or above 78 degrees F….for long periods of time.