Milwaukie, Oregon, has a mandatory Home Energy Score (HES) program for homes listed for sale. The program was implemented in October 2020 and requires sellers to obtain a HES report from a qualified assessor and disclose the report to potential buyers. The HES report is a numerical rating from 1 to 10 that indicates the energy efficiency of a home. A higher score indicates a more energy-efficient home.
The HES program is designed to help buyers make informed decisions about which homes to purchase. By knowing the HES of a home, buyers can estimate how much energy the home will use and how much it will cost to heat and cool. The program also encourages sellers to make energy-efficiency improvements to their homes, which can increase the value of the home and make it more attractive to buyers.
The HES program has been successful in Milwaukie. In the first year of the program, the average HES score of homes listed for sale increased from 5 to 6. This indicates that sellers are making energy-efficiency improvements to their homes in order to attract buyers. The program has also helped buyers save money on energy costs. A study by the Oregon Department of Energy found that homeowners with a HES score of 8 or higher saved an average of $1,200 per year on energy costs.
The HES program is a valuable tool for buyers and sellers of homes in Milwaukie. It helps buyers make informed decisions about which homes to purchase and encourages sellers to make energy-efficiency improvements to their homes. The program has been successful in Milwaukie and has helped homeowners save money on energy costs.
Here are some of the benefits of having a high HES score:
- Lower energy bills
- Increased home value
- Improved comfort and air quality
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
If you are considering buying or selling a home in Milwaukie, I encourage you to learn more about the HES program. You can find more information on the City of Milwaukie’s website: https://www.milwaukieoregon.gov/sustainability/home-energy-score
