HERS Energy Modeling & Rating Systems 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A standardized code-minimum home used as a baseline for HERS scoring

Answer

The reference home is a code-minimum home built to IECC specifications that serves as the 100-point baseline for HERS Index calculations.

Question 2

Which of the following inputs has the GREATEST impact on reducing a home's HERS score through envelope improvements?

Accepted Answer

Air leakage rate (ACH50)

Answer

Air leakage (ACH50) typically has the greatest single impact on HERS scores because infiltration losses account for a large portion of a home's energy load.

Question 3

What is the standard test pressure used for blower door testing when collecting data for HERS ratings?

Accepted Answer

50 Pascals

Answer

HERS ratings use 50 Pascals (Pa) as the standard test pressure for blower door tests to measure envelope airtightness.

Question 4

A home is modeled with a gas furnace AFUE of 80% but the installed unit is 96% AFUE. How should the rater handle this?

Accepted Answer

Update the model to reflect the 96% installed equipment

Answer

The energy model must reflect actual installed conditions; the rater must update equipment inputs to match what is installed in the home.

Question 5

When modeling a home with a conditioned crawl space in energy software, how should the crawl space be treated?

Accepted Answer

As part of the conditioned volume with insulated walls

Answer

A conditioned crawl space is treated as part of the conditioned volume, with insulation on the crawl space walls rather than the floor above.

(HERS) Home Energy Rater Certification Practice Test

(HERS) Home Energy Rater Certification Practice Test

HERS Energy Modeling & Rating Systems 2