HERS Saves Homeowners Money & Makes Daybreak a National Leader (2025 Update)
Written By: Connor Anderson
Want lower utility bills, better comfort, and higher resale value? Then look at the HERS® Index when you shop for a home. This simple score—like MPG for houses—tells you how efficiently a home uses energy. Lower scores mean greater efficiency and bigger savings. Below, we explain how the HERS Index works in 2025, what counts as a good score in Utah, and how Daybreak builders put performance first.
What is the HERS Index?
The RESNET HERS® Index is the nationally recognized system for measuring a home’s energy efficiency. Certified raters inspect and model each home to determine a score. A reference home built to 2006 energy code equals 100. Each 1‑point change reflects roughly 1% change in energy use, so a score of 55 uses about 45% less energy than the 2006 baseline. A score of 0 indicates a “net‑zero energy” home.
What is a “good” HERS score in 2025?
2006 code reference
Average new U.S. home (2024)
Net‑zero energy
According to RESNET’s 2024 market data, the average HERS score for newly rated homes was 55. That’s an improvement from 57 in 2023 per RESNET’s Trends report. In short, anything significantly below 55 is excellent; anything near 40s is elite performance, especially without solar.
Why the HERS score matters for your wallet
Energy use is a major recurring cost. Because HERS is modeled on your actual home’s design—insulation, windows, HVAC, air‑sealing, and more—it translates into month‑to‑month savings and more consistent comfort. And since buyers increasingly value efficiency, better scores can support resale value.
Bonus: Builders of efficient homes may also qualify for the federal 45L tax credit. While it’s a builder incentive, programs tied to ENERGY STAR or DOE Zero Energy Ready Home often correlate with lower utility bills for homeowners.
Utah codes & programs that help (2025)
Utah bases its residential energy standards on the IECC with state amendments. For an overview, see the Utah Energy Code and the 2024 Residential Quick Guide. Meanwhile, national voluntary programs like ENERGY STAR for Homes (Versions 3.2/3.3) and Zero Energy Ready Home set higher bars that many Utah builders pursue.
How Daybreak builders lead by design
In Daybreak, leading builders partner with independent HERS raters, specify efficient envelopes, right‑size mechanicals, and prioritize air‑sealing—so your home performs from day one. Pair that with our walkable master plan, abundant trails, and water‑centric amenities, and efficiency becomes part of your lifestyle, not just your utility bill.
- Advanced framing & high‑R insulation where it matters most
- Low‑U windows and careful solar gain management
- Sealed ductwork & verified air‑tightness
- High‑efficiency HVAC & smart thermostats
- Efficient lighting & ventilation
- Explore parks, trails, pools & The Watercourse
- See the Daybreak Story & design vision
- Tour high‑performing model homes
Ready to shop efficient homes in Daybreak?
Start here and filter by product type, builder, or move‑in timeline.
Quick FAQs
Does a lower HERS score always mean solar? No. The HERS model can include on‑site generation, but homes can hit exceptionally low scores through envelope and mechanical efficiency alone. A score of 0 (net‑zero) typically pairs efficiency with renewables.
What score should I look for? Aim for below the national new‑home average (around 55 in 2024). Scores in the 40s are excellent, especially without solar.
Who calculates the score? Independent, RESNET‑certified raters test and model each home.
Sources & further reading
- RESNET — Understanding the HERS Index
- RESNET — 2024: Average HERS Index 55
- RESNET — Trends in HERS Rated Homes (2024 report)
- RESNET — What is the HERS Index? (2025)
- IRS — 45L Energy Efficient Home Credit (2025)
- ENERGY STAR — Single‑Family New Homes Program
- DOE — Zero Energy Ready Home (program overview)
- Utah Energy Code
- Utah Residential Energy Code Quick Guide (2024)
