HERS HERS Thermal Envelope Insulation and Air Sealing 2

Question 1

During a HERS pre-drywall inspection, a rater identifies missing insulation in a rim joist cavity. Why is this location particularly important?

Accepted Answer

Rim joists are a significant thermal bridge and air leakage point at the foundation-to-wall junction

Answer

Rim joists are a major source of both heat loss and air infiltration at the critical junction between the foundation and above-grade framing.

Question 2

What does the term 'thermal bypass' refer to in a HERS field inspection context?

Accepted Answer

Air movement around or through insulation that reduces its effective R-value

Answer

A thermal bypass is any air movement pathway that allows air to flow around insulation, significantly reducing its effective thermal resistance.

Question 3

Which insulation material has the highest R-value per inch, making it useful where space is limited in a HERS-rated home?

Accepted Answer

Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam

Answer

Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam achieves approximately R-6 to R-7 per inch, the highest of common residential insulation materials.

Question 4

A HERS rater is evaluating a home with a vented crawl space. Under current best practice, what is the preferred energy-efficient crawl space configuration?

Accepted Answer

Sealed and conditioned with insulation on the crawl space walls

Answer

A sealed and conditioned crawl space with insulation on the perimeter walls is the preferred configuration for energy efficiency and moisture control.

Question 5

During HERS verification, a rater checks that window U-factors meet IECC requirements. What does a lower U-factor indicate?

Accepted Answer

Higher thermal resistance (better insulation)

Answer

U-factor is the rate of heat transfer; a lower value means less heat flows through the window, indicating better insulating performance.

(HERS) Certified Home Energy Rating System Rater Practice Test

(HERS) Certified Home Energy Rating System Rater Practice Test

HERS HERS Thermal Envelope Insulation and Air Sealing 2