The six alternating solid and broken lines of the HERS, Inc.™ logo is taken from The I Ching in which Hexagram 63: Chi Chi/After Completion describes a state in which "all forces are in balance and work in harmony" and "the transition from confusion to order is completed, and everything is in its proper place even in particulars."

This could describe the consummation of an integrated, "whole house" approach to comfort, efficiency and the environment. The result would be a sustainable, safe, healthy and comfortable home performing at peak efficiency and lower operating cost.

“Water over fire” is the image of the condition of this hexagram.

“When water in a kettle hangs over fire, the two elements stand in relation and thus generate energy (e.g. the production of steam). But the resulting tension demands caution. If the water boils over, the fire is extinguished and its energy is lost. If the heat is too great, the water evaporates into the air. These elements were brought into relation and, thus, generating energy are by nature hostile to each other. Only the most extreme caution can prevent damage. In life too, there are junctures when all forces are in balance and work in harmony, so that everything seems to be in the best of order. In such times only the sage recognizes the moments that bode danger and knows how to banish it by means of timely precautions."

The fire and the kettle is remindful of the tension and interaction between the mechanical systems and the building envelope, or balancing air sealing with health and safety, or what our house needs, what we want, and what it costs. Only with the right tools, training, and a real understanding of the "house as a system" can one design, build, or improve a house to a point where, after completion, it is comfortable, healthy,  safe, economical to operate, and when, truly, "all forces are in balance and work in harmony."