Practice Test Geeks(HERS) Certified Home Energy Rating System Rater Practice Test
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Energy Modeling & Analysis Flashcards

7 cards from real HERS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Energy Modeling & Analysis flashcards as text

  1. A HERS rater measures duct leakage to outside at 8% of system airflow. How should this value be entered into the energy model?

    Answer: As leakage to outside only, separate from total leakage

    HERS software distinguishes leakage to outside (which affects conditioned air loss) from total duct leakage, and each is entered separately.

  2. Which insulation metric is required when modeling attic insulation in HERS software?

    Answer: Total R-value of the insulation assembly

    HERS software uses the total R-value of the insulation assembly to calculate heat flow through the ceiling/attic boundary.

  3. In HERS energy modeling, what effect does increasing window-to-floor area ratio have on cooling loads in a hot climate?

    Answer: It generally increases cooling load due to higher solar heat gain

    More window area in a hot climate increases solar heat gain and conductive gain, raising cooling loads even with Low-E glazing.

  4. What does 'ACH50' represent in the context of HERS energy modeling?

    Answer: Air changes per hour at 50 Pascals of pressure differential

    ACH50 is the blower door test result expressed as air changes per hour at a 50 Pascal pressure difference, used to characterize envelope airtightness.

  5. A modeler is entering a heat pump with a HSPF of 9.0 and a SEER of 16.0. Which value applies to the heating season calculation?

    Answer: HSPF of 9.0

    HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is the efficiency metric for heat pump heating mode, while SEER applies only to cooling.

  6. When a HERS rater inputs conditioned floor area into the software, what spaces should be included?

    Answer: All space within the thermal boundary that is heated or cooled

    Conditioned floor area includes all space within the thermal and pressure boundary that is intentionally heated or cooled, regardless of finish or grade level.

  7. How does HERS software typically account for thermal mass in a home with concrete block walls?

    Answer: Material density and specific heat are used to calculate heat storage capacity

    HERS software uses the material's density and specific heat capacity to model how concrete block walls store and release heat, affecting peak load timing.