Module 1 - Introduction to Home Energy Ratings.pptx

STRAND Energy-Star Rater Training Introduction To home Energy Ratings © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 Course Material All Course Material can be found at Strand U[] - Home (sharepoint.com) This course will cover the RESNET and MINHERS Standard as well as all equipment Procedures to ac...

STRAND Energy-Star Rater Training Introduction To home Energy Ratings © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 Course Material All Course Material can be found at Strand U[] - Home (sharepoint.com) This course will cover the RESNET and MINHERS Standard as well as all equipment Procedures to accurately assess and Rate an Energy-Star home. © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 Home Energy Rating System and the HERS Index © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 H.E.R.S. Home Energy Ratings: Standardization –A uniform Method for Quantifying the energy performance of a home Numerical index –allows comparison between homes Estimation of the annual energy consumption © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 H.E.R.S. Home performance: Used to prove Compliance to building Energy Codes used to Prove energy Efficiency of New homes used to enable mortgage financing for energy retrofits of existing homes used to qualify homes for green program recognition Understanding the HERS® Index - HERS Index | Ho me Energy Rating System | Energy Audit & Ratings | RESNET © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 H.E.R.S. © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 RESNET Overview © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 In April 1995, the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) was formed to develop a national market for building energy rating systems and energy efficient financing opportunities. In May 2002 RESNET became incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. RESNET's standards are officially recognized by the federal government for verification of building energy performance for such programs as federal tax incentives, the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR program and the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Program. RESNET’s standards are also recognized by the U.S. mortgage industry for emphasizing a building's energy performance in the mortgage loan, and may be used for certification of "White Tags" for private financial investors. The RESNET website is a one-stop solution where homeowners can learn about the energy audit and rating processes, and search the RESNET directory to find certified energy auditors and raters and qualified contractors and builders. To be included in the directory, these independent, unbiased professionals must complete the required energy training to meet the high standards of excellence that RESNET demands. All RESNET-certified and RESNETqualified professionals agree to abide by the RESNET Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 3.2. Standards Development Objective The objective for RESNET to develop standards is to provide a standardized process by which all energy auditors, energy modelers, energy raters and energy contractors can conduct business. As opportunities for additional standards associated with energy audits, energy modeling, energy rating and energy improvement are developed, RESNET will develop standards that are associated with the business of providing energy audits, modeling, ratings and improvement. © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 3.3. Structure RESNET is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation which supports the building performance industry through accreditation of providers and the certification of raters, auditors and energy improvement contractors. The organization is a membership-based organization where each member has an opportunity to vote on various matters including the election of the Board of Directors. Each member is entitled to one vote. The members elect a Board of Directors who become responsible for the operation of the corporation. The individuals are elected to the Board for a specific term in accordance with the RESNET by-laws. The Board sets policy and direction of the corporation. RESNET is an independent non-profit corporation which:  is dedicated to the building performance industry  has staff that are trained, competent and dedicated to accomplishing the mission of RESNET  has a structure that delivers the goals and objectives of the organization  has developed working relationships with other organizations which can assist RESNET to meet its goals and objectives  has persons associated with or members who are subject matter experts © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 3.4. Responsibilities 3.4.1 Executive Director The Executive Director is responsible for the day to day operation and management of the organization, is responsible for any supervision and oversees any consultants to the organization. The Executive Director reports to the RESNET Board and receives direction from the Board. 3.4.2 Standards Manager The standards manager reports to the executive director and receives direction from the executive director. The standards manager works closely with the standards management board (SMB) and the standards development committees (SDCs) along with any sub-committees and task groups. The standards manager is responsible for the day to day operation of the standards development function of the corporation. The responsibilities of the standards manager include:  ensuring that minutes are taken for each SMB, SDC, Sub-Committee and Task Group meeting  publication of standards development work © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 Residential Energy Consumption Heating and cooling: 54% Water heater: 18% Lighting: 6% Refrigerator: 4% Washer and dryer: 5% Electric oven: 4% Dishwasher: 3% TV and cable box: 2% © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 Energy Rating vs Energy Audit © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 Audit v Rating What’s an Energy Rating? To many people, a home energy audit (also called an energy assessment) and an energy rating sound pretty much like the same thing but they’re not. An energy rating provides a comparative analysis on how energy efficient your home is when compared to other similar homes. An energy rating will generate a HERS® Index score for your home, based upon its energy performance. The Home Energy Rating System or HERS® was developed by RESNET and is the nationally recognized system for calculating how energy efficient a home is. The lower the HERS® Index score, the more energy efficient the home. Why is an Energy Rating Important? It helps you understand how energy efficient your home is when compared to others Gives you a projected idea of the energy costs of your home An energy rating is a recognized tool in the mortgage industry © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 Audit v Rating The purpose of a home energy assessment, also known as a survey or energy audit, is to pinpoint where and how a home is losing energy, which systems are working inefficiently and what cost-effective measures can be put in place to rectify the situation. Certified RESNET Home Energy Professionals offer three different types of energy assessments, varying in scope and depth: Home Energy Survey A Home Energy Survey is a visual inspection that doesn’t include the use of diagnostic testing equipment. Its purpose is to assess the general energy performance of an existing home including: Building envelope features (windows, doors, insulation, ducts) and ages Heating, cooling and ventilation equipment types, characteristics and ages Appliance and lighting characteristics Comfort complaints Visible moisture issues Visible health and safety issues © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 The HERS Rater © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 208.3 Certified HERS Rater A Certified HERS Rater shall have proficiency at the knowledge and abilities of a Rating Field Inspector and a HERS Modeler in addition to the following. 208.3.1 General 208.3.1.1 Understand and be familiar with local climate conditions, housing stock, and climate- specific practices. 208.3.1.2 Identify summer and winter design temperatures 208.3.1.3 Understand local utility pricing structures (flat vs. tiered rates, net-metering regulations) and sources for reliable utility information. 208.3.1.4 Prepare a detailed work scope. 208.3.1.5 Develop field inspection forms. 208.3.1.6 Determine window, door, and skylight efficiencies and performance factors for those fenestrations that do not have an NFRC Label. 208.3.1.7 Identify major U.S. climate zones and energy consumption impacts of local climate zone. 208.3.1.8 Recommend levels of insulation by climate zone. 208.3.1.9 Have a basic understanding of energy improvement measure interactions, expected life, and bundling for optimal performance considering the house-as-a-system and the emerging need for deep energy savings. © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 208.2 HERS Modeler A HERS Modeler is permitted to create and/or edit rating models for HERS rating purposes under the supervision of a Certified HERS Rater. A Certified HERS Modeler shall have proficiency in the capabilities listed below. 208.2.1 Understand and interpret plans, builder specifications, and field data forms/documentation. 208.2.2 Reference “Help Menu” and online technical support resources to resolve specific modeling questions. 208.2.3 Understand and reference RESNET Standards to maintain compliance with “user” modeling requirements for calculating HERS Ratings. 208.2.4 Create a projected HERS Rating from plans and Builder specifications using RESNET Accredited HERS Modeling software tool. 208.2.5 Create a Confirmed Rating from a rater/RFI’s field data collection forms using RESNET Accredited HERS Modeling software tool. © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 208.1 Certified Rating Field Inspector (RFI) A Certified Rating Field Inspector is permitted to conduct all tasks contained within ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 Appendix B, Inspection Procedures for Minimum Rated Features. A Certified Rating Field Inspector shall have proficiency in performing those tasks and in the capabilities listed below. 208.1.1 General 208.1.1.1 Have a basic understanding of building performance evaluation. 208.1.1.2 Demonstrate proficient customer communication skills, ethics, and privacy per the RESNET Code of Ethics. 208.1.1.3 Complete field inspection forms that accurately identify and document the minimum rated features of the Rated Home in accordance with the requirements of ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 Appendix B, Inspection Procedures for Minimum Rated Features. 208.1.1.4 Identify potential problems with the building such as health and safety concerns, building durability issues, potential comfort problems, and sources elevated energy use in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 8 Section 802- Combustion Safety Testing. 208.1.1.5 Identify basic home construction types and the ramifications for energy usage. 208.1.2 Health and Safety 208.1.2.1 Identify moisture issues such as condensation, leaks through building components, signs of mold or mildew, insect damage, efflorescence and stains. © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 208.1.2.2 Identify potential combustion appliance safety hazards. 208.1.2.3 Identify evidence in combustion equipment of flame rollout, blocked chimneys, rust and corrosion, and missing or damaged vent connectors. 208.1.2.4 Identify problems related to poor indoor air quality (IAQ), building durability, and human comfort. 208.1.2.5 Identify potential presence of mold and potential causes. 208.1.3 Moisture Principles and Properties 208.1.3.1 Identify potential or existing moisture issues (bulk water intrusion, capillary action, air transport, vapor diffusion). 208.1.4 Building Components 208.1.4.1 Identify exterior building components, such as stone or brick veneer, overhangs, roofing types, grade levels, and lighting types. 208.1.4.2 Determine building orientation and shading characteristics. 208.1.4.3 Collect fenestration specific information in enough detail to allow for efficiencies and performance factors to be derived for those windows, doors, and skylights without NFRC labels. This includes the identification of window and skylight types, frame materials, reflective and low-e films and coatings, and permanently installed shading devices. © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 208.1.4.4 Measure building dimensions. 208.1.4.5 Estimate the approximate age of a building. 208.1.4.6 Identify areas of thermal bypasses and thermal bridging. 208.1.5 Documenting Building Components 208.1.5.1 Use construction documents such as building drawings and specification sheets, or actual measured building dimensions to produce a scaled and dimensioned sketch of a home. 208.1.6 Collecting Field Data (including photo documentation) as specified in ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 Appendix B. 208.1.6.1 Identify signs of building additions. 208.1.6.2 Identify basic combustion appliance concerns. 208.1.7 Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) Testing 208.1.7.1 Perform CAZ depressurization, spillage, and Carbon Monoxide (CO) testing in accordance with CO Test and Depressurization Test for the Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) protocols contained in Chapter 8, Section 802- Combustion Safety Testing. 208.1.7.2 Identify gas leaks using combustible gas sensing equipment. If a leak is found, recommend that a certified technician rep © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204 208.1.8 Air Leakage 208.1.8.1 Identify common air-leakage sites and indicate likely opportunities for leakage reduction. 208.1.8.2 Identify air leakage mechanisms and drivers, energy and comfort implications, and health and safety issues. 208.1.8.3 Identify potential air sealing using zonal pressure differentials and measurement techniques. 208.1.8.4 Measure pressure differences across the Compartmentalization Boundary imposed by the operation of the home's equipment. 208.1.9 Conditioned Air Distribution Systems. 208.1.9.1 Identify obvious leakage locations and indications of previous sealing. 208.1.9.2 Identify impacts of designed and imposed flaws (closed interior doors, blocked registers and grilles, air handler filters, etc). 208.1.9.3 Identify duct supply and return types (flexible, rigid metal, building chase, insulated panels) and locations with respect to thermal and air barriers. 208.1.9.4 Identify room and zone pressure imbalances caused by lack of ducted return air or pressure relief mechanisms such as transfer grilles or jumper ducts. © 2023 STRAND Dallas I Texas 972 620 8204