HERS Energy Modeling & Analysis 2

Question 1

In REM/Rate or equivalent HERS software, what does the 'reference home' represent?

Accepted Answer

A code-minimum home built to the same specifications as the rated home

Answer

The reference home is a theoretical code-minimum version of the same home used as the baseline for calculating the HERS Index.

Question 2

Which parameter has the greatest impact on heating load calculations in cold climates when entering data into HERS software?

Accepted Answer

Wall assembly U-factor

Answer

In cold climates, wall assembly U-factor directly drives conductive heat loss and dominates heating load calculations.

Question 3

When modeling a home with a sealed crawlspace in HERS software, how should the crawlspace be categorized?

Accepted Answer

Conditioned space with insulated walls

Answer

A sealed crawlspace is modeled as conditioned space with insulation on the crawlspace walls rather than the floor above.

Question 4

A rater enters a furnace with AFUE of 0.96 into HERS software. What does the remaining 4% represent?

Accepted Answer

Energy lost to flue gases and jacket losses

Answer

AFUE measures seasonal efficiency, and the 4% not converted to useful heat is lost through combustion exhaust and jacket radiation.

Question 5

Which of the following correctly describes how HERS software handles mechanical ventilation in the energy model?

Accepted Answer

Ventilation fan watts and airflow are modeled as an energy load

Answer

HERS software models mechanical ventilation by accounting for fan energy consumption and the conditioning load of outdoor air introduced.

(HERS) Certified Home Energy Rating System Rater Practice Test