HERS Field Inspection & Testing 2

Question 1

When performing a blower door test, at what reference pressure is the airflow typically measured for HERS rating purposes?

Accepted Answer

50 Pascals

Answer

25 Pascals

Answer

75 Pascals

Answer

100 Pascals

Question 2

A rater measures duct leakage to outside on a new construction home and gets 4.5 CFM25 per 100 sq ft of conditioned floor area. Which ENERGY STAR threshold does this result meet?

Accepted Answer

It meets the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes limit of 5 CFM25 or less

Answer

It exceeds the ENERGY STAR limit of 4 CFM25

Answer

It fails because the limit is 3 CFM25

Answer

It passes only if total duct leakage is also tested

Question 3

During a field inspection, the rater finds insulation installed with a visible air gap between the insulation batt and the exterior wall sheathing. How should this be rated?

Accepted Answer

Grade III — substantial defects requiring remediation

Answer

Grade I — batts are present and adequate

Answer

Grade II — minor defects that reduce performance

Answer

Not rated — only blown insulation is graded

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a duct pressurization test (Duct Blaster) during a HERS field inspection?

Accepted Answer

To quantify air leakage from the duct system

Answer

To measure the airtightness of the building envelope

Answer

To verify static pressure in supply registers

Answer

To measure airflow at each supply outlet

Question 5

A HERS rater is inspecting a home with a vented crawl space. Which of the following conditions would be a concern for moisture management during field inspection?

Accepted Answer

Exposed soil has no ground cover vapor barrier

Answer

Ground cover vapor barrier covers 100% of the soil

Answer

Insulation is installed between the floor joists above

Answer

The crawl space vents are open year-round

Question 6

When verifying mechanical ventilation during a HERS field inspection, what should the rater measure to confirm adequate whole-house ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Actual airflow (CFM) compared to the ASHRAE 62.2 required rate

Answer

Thermostat setpoint and run time

Answer

Number of exhaust fans in bathrooms

Answer

Filter MERV rating on the air handler

Question 7

During a heating system inspection, the rater observes that a gas furnace flue pipe has a visible gap at a joint inside conditioned space. What is the primary concern?

Accepted Answer

Combustion gases may spill into the living space

Answer

Reduced AFUE efficiency rating

Answer

Noise from combustion air intake

Answer

Condensation on the exterior of the flue pipe