HERS HERS Index and Ratings Questions and Answers

Question 1

A HERS Rater is explaining the HERS Index to a client. What does a HERS Index score of 100 signify?

Accepted Answer

The home's energy performance is equivalent to that of the HERS Reference Home.

Answer

The home is 100% more efficient than a typical new home.

Answer

The home has net-zero energy consumption.

Answer

The home meets the minimum requirements for ENERGY STAR certification.

Question 2

A newly constructed home receives a confirmed HERS Index of 65. How should the rater explain this result to the homeowner in terms of energy efficiency?

Accepted Answer

The home is 35% more energy efficient than a standard new home built to the HERS Reference Home specifications.

Answer

The home is 65% less efficient than a Net Zero Energy Home.

Answer

The home uses 65% of the energy that a standard new home uses.

Answer

The home's energy efficiency is 35% below the current energy code requirements.

Question 3

A builder is aiming for a home to achieve a HERS Index of 0. Which of the following is essential for achieving this specific score?

Accepted Answer

Incorporating on-site renewable energy generation, such as solar panels.

Answer

Achieving an airtightness level of 1.0 ACH50 or less.

Answer

Installing insulation levels that are double the local code requirements.

Answer

Using only ENERGY STAR certified appliances and lighting.

Question 4

Which of the following components is a fixed assumption for BOTH the HERS Reference Home and the Rated Home in an energy model, ensuring a fair comparison of the building envelope and systems?

Accepted Answer

Geographic location and climate data

Answer

Window efficiency (U-factor and SHGC)

Answer

Duct leakage rates

Answer

HVAC system efficiency (SEER/HSPF/AFUE)

Question 5

A HERS rating is performed on two identical homes built side-by-side. Home A has no on-site power generation and receives a HERS Index of 52. Home B has a photovoltaic (PV) system that meets 100% of its predicted annual energy consumption. What would be the HERS Index for Home B?

Accepted Answer

0

Answer

52

Answer

100

Answer

-48

Question 6

The Energy Rating Index (ERI) is an optional compliance path in many modern energy codes. What is the relationship between the ERI and the HERS Index?

Accepted Answer

The ERI is calculated using the same methodology as the HERS Index, as defined by the ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 standard.

Answer

The ERI is a federal standard, while the HERS Index is a state-level program.

Answer

The ERI and HERS Index are unrelated rating systems with different scales.

Answer

The ERI score is calculated by subtracting the HERS Index from 100.

A HERS Rater is explaining the HERS Index to a client.What does a HERS Index score of 100 signify?

A HERS Rater is explaining the HERS Index to a client.
What does a HERS Index score of 100 signify?