Improving which component can significantly impact a home's overall HERS score?

Improving insulation and sealing measures within a home can have a profound effect on the overall HERS score because these components play a critical role in a home’s energy performance. Proper insulation minimizes the amount of heat transfer between the interior and exterior of a home, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems to work excessively. This leads to lower energy consumption, which directly contributes to a more favorable HERS score.

Sealing air leaks prevents conditioned air from escaping and unconditioned air from entering, further enhancing the energy efficiency of the home. By achieving a more tightly sealed and well-insulated structure, homeowners can realize significant decreases in energy usage, resulting in a lower HERS score that reflects better energy efficiency.

In contrast, while appliances do affect energy usage, their overall impact on the HERS score is less significant than that of insulation and sealing. Aesthetics do not contribute directly to energy efficiency, and the age of the home, while it may indicate certain efficiencies or inefficiencies, does not inherently change energy performance unless demolition or updates occur. Therefore, focusing on insulation and sealing measures is the most effective way to improve a home’s HERS score.