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

Blower door tests for HERS ratings are conducted at 50 Pascals (Pa) of depressurization to standardize results across different homes.

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

ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Version 3.2 requires duct leakage to outside to be ≤4 CFM25 per 100 sq ft of conditioned floor area for most climate zones, but thresholds vary; at 4.5 it would fail the 4 CFM25 limit but context matters.

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

Air gaps between insulation and the sheathing represent a Grade III installation defect because they create thermal bypasses that substantially degrade insulation performance.

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

A duct pressurization test uses a Duct Blaster to pressurize the duct system and measure the total leakage from supply and return ducts.

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

Exposed soil in a crawl space without a vapor barrier allows moisture to evaporate into the crawl space, risking mold, rot, and energy loss.

(HERS) Certified Home Energy Rating System Rater Practice Test

(HERS) Certified Home Energy Rating System Rater Practice Test

HERS Field Inspection & Testing 2