What role do energy audits play in the context of HERS ratings?

The role of energy audits within the context of HERS ratings is primarily to assess the performance of energy systems in a home. Energy audits involve a detailed examination of various components of a home's energy use, such as insulation, HVAC systems, windows, and appliances. By identifying areas where energy is being wasted or can be improved, energy audits provide crucial information that informs the HERS rating process.

The HERS rating itself is a measurement of a home's energy efficiency and performance compared to a reference home. To derive an accurate HERS rating, HERS raters rely on findings from energy audits to evaluate how efficiently a home uses energy. This assessment can lead to recommendations for upgrades or improvements that can increase energy efficiency and subsequently improve the HERS score.

In contrast, other options do not align with the primary aim of energy audits. The analysis of market trends or legal compliance does not directly contribute to understanding a home’s energy performance, and while structural integrity of buildings is important, it falls outside the scope of evaluating energy efficiency. Thus, energy audits are critical as they link directly to the performance evaluation necessary for HERS ratings.