HERS Energy Modeling & Rating Systems 3

Question 1

A rater finds that duct leakage to the outside is 8% of system airflow. How does this compare to the ENERGY STAR v3.1 threshold?

Accepted Answer

It fails; ENERGY STAR requires 4% or less

Answer

ENERGY STAR v3.1 requires total duct leakage to outside of 4% or less of system airflow capacity for compliance.

Question 2

Which software feature allows a HERS rater to model a home with both a gas furnace and a heat pump operating together?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid heating system input

Answer

A hybrid heating system input in energy rating software allows modeling of dual-fuel configurations where a heat pump and backup furnace operate together.

Question 3

What happens to a home's HERS score if window area is significantly increased without changing window U-factor or SHGC?

Accepted Answer

Score typically worsens due to increased conductive losses and solar gains

Answer

Increasing window area with the same U-factor and SHGC increases both conductive heat loss and unwanted solar gain, generally raising the HERS score.

Question 4

Under RESNET standards, what is the maximum allowed difference between the rated and confirmed home for a sampled HERS rating to be valid?

Accepted Answer

5 HERS points

Answer

RESNET sampling protocols allow a maximum 5 HERS point difference between the sampled reference home and the confirmed homes in the same community.

Question 5

When entering window data into energy modeling software, which property most affects summer cooling loads in a South-facing application?

Accepted Answer

Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)

Answer

SHGC controls how much solar radiation passes through the window as heat, making it the dominant factor for cooling loads from solar-exposed windows.

(HERS) Home Energy Rater Certification Practice Test

(HERS) Home Energy Rater Certification Practice Test

HERS Energy Modeling & Rating Systems 3