This overview of the RESNET organization and the HERS Rater Training is one of the first sections of the CleanEdison HERS Rater Course.

1. RESNET – HERS RATER TRAINING
DAY 1

2. SECTION 1:
WHAT IS RESNET?
2

3. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
RESNET
 Non-profit organization
 Established in 1995
 Mission is to:
 Set quality standards and maintain the system to
ensure standards for home energy ratings are
being met
 Help to promote your business

4. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
RESNET Standards
 Recognized for
 Accreditation of rating providers, rater training
providers, and rating software tools
 Verification of energy savings for energy efficient
mortgages (EEMs)
 Verification of a home's energy performance for EPA's
ENERGY STAR Homes Program and the Department
of Energy’s Building America Program
 Performance option for energy code compliance in 16
states
 Verification of energy performance in state utility
benefit program funded residential energy efficiency
programs in 9 states

5. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
RESNET Levels of Auditing
Complexity
 Basic level: Home Energy Survey
 Visual inspection
 Does not use testing equipment
 Takes about an hour
 Building Performance Audit
 Visual inspection
 Diagnostic testing
 Takes 3-4 hours
 Comprehensive HERS Rating
 Most in-depth
 Includes computerized simulation
analysis
 Cost benefit analysis and Return
on Investment calculations for
recommended improvements
Performed by
HESPs – Home
Energy Survey
Professionals
Performed by
HERS Raters –
Home Energy
Rating System
Raters (what you’re
here to attain).

6. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
Home Energy Rating
 Using construction plans, computer simulation
can be done prior to building to address areas
of needed efficiency improvements
 Results in a projected HERS Rating
 After construction, diagnostic tests performed.
 Using both sets of inputs, the building’s HERS
Index is established
 Provides a basis for comparing the relative
energy efficiency of homes

7. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
Projected and Confirmed Ratings
 Projected rating
 Using architectural drawings and specifications of a
to-be-built home, or a site audit for a to-be-improved
home
 Using the envelope leakage rate
 And the distribution system efficiency
 Orientation and location of the home
 Confirmed rating
 Inspections during building process
 Upon completion of construction, rated features are
confirmed using on-site diagnostic tests and actual
orientation of the home.

8. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
Reference Home
 The HERS rating system compares the rated
home with the reference standard home (which
is of the same size and layout) on all of the
aspects associated with energy usage.
 The reference standard home is based on the
minimum building requirement as defined by the
International Energy Conservation code of 2006.
 For conducting the rating and determining the
home’s score, raters use a software simulation
to compare the rating and reference homes.
 1993 MEC, 2006 HERS

9. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
HERS Index
The HERS Reference Home sets the
standard at 100.
Homes that are more efficient than the
standard will score lower on the scale. For
each percentage point that the home in
question is more efficient than the reference
home, the home is rated 1 point lower on the
scale.
Energy Star homes score
an 85 or lower (80 or lower
in Northern climate zones)
Builder’s
Challenge
homes score a
70 or lower

10. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
Using the HERS Index
 What would the HERS
Index be for a home that
was 75% more efficient
than the reference
standard?
 What about a home that
was 25% less efficient than
the reference standard
home?

11. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
Star rating
HERS Index
Range
Stars Relative Energy Use
(with respect to
Reference Home)
=<500 and >401 =<500%and>401%
=<400 and >301 + =<400% and >301%
=<300 and >251 =<300% and >251%
=<250 and >201 + =<250% and >201%
=<200 and >151 =<200% and >151%
=<150 and >101 + =<150% and >1%
=<100 and >91 =<0% and >-9%
=<90 and >86 + =<-10% and >-14%
=<85 and >71 =<-15% and >-29%
=<70 and >=0 + =<-30% and >=-100%

12. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
RESNET HIERARCHY
Provider
Rater
Consumer
Consumer
Rater ConsumerAssures quality of new
raters
Evaluates performance

13. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
Steps to Becoming a Rater
 Rater training
 Includes two supervised ratings
 Pass the rater test
 Mentorship period through an accredited Home
Energy Rating Provider
 Includes at least three ratings
 18 hours of professional development every 3 years
 Three options:
 Continuing Ed course through Training Provider
 Attending a RESNET conference
 Pass the rater test again

14. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
Benefits of a Home Energy Audit
14
Why should the homeowner get an audit?
 Saving money on bills
 Increasing comfort
 Increasing resale value
 Improving marketability
 Uncovering hidden
problems
Helping the environment
Take advantage of
government incentives
 Investing in energy
efficiency measures gives
a great return on
investment

15. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
Rater’s Requirements
15
You are required to:
Understand the basic principles of energy and learn to apply
these principles
Evaluate each of the minimum rated features established by
RESNET
Prepare a comprehensive HERS rating

16. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
Rater’s Requirements
16
You are required to:
 Provide relevant financing resources to clients, including local,
state, and federal incentives, tax credits, rebates, and programs
available to assist homeowners in making energy efficiency
improvements
 Educate building occupants about no-cost opportunities for
energy savings – primarily behavior and lifestyle changes

17. Copyright 2010 CleanEdison Inc
What is ENERGY STAR?
17
A program sponsored by the US Department of Energy
and the EPA that identifies and promotes energy-efficient
products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(This includes homes).