HERS Index and Ratings 3

Question 1

A HERS rater is evaluating an existing home built in 1985. Which type of HERS rating is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Confirmed rating with full field verification and testing

Answer

Projected rating based on blueprints

Answer

Preliminary rating based on county records only

Answer

Design rating with no field inspection required

Question 2

How does the HERS Index treat on-site renewable energy generation such as solar PV?

Accepted Answer

It reduces the home's energy consumption score, potentially driving the index below 100

Answer

It is ignored entirely in the rating

Answer

It is added to the index as a bonus multiplier

Answer

It only counts if the system is grid-tied and net-metered

Question 3

A home's HERS rating is listed as '52.' Which of the following statements is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

The home uses 48% less energy than the reference home

Answer

The home uses 52% more energy than the reference home

Answer

The home meets 52% of code requirements

Answer

The home has 52 energy-efficient features installed

Question 4

Under RESNET standards, which category of energy end use is specifically EXCLUDED from the HERS Index calculation?

Accepted Answer

Plug loads and process loads (in some rating types)

Answer

Space heating

Answer

Water heating

Answer

Cooling

Question 5

What does a HERS 'sampling' protocol allow a rater to do?

Accepted Answer

Test a subset of similar homes in a subdivision and apply results to the group

Answer

Rate only one unit in a multi-family building and apply it to all units

Answer

Skip duct leakage testing for homes above a HERS 70

Answer

Use projected data instead of confirmed data for new construction

Question 6

A builder asks a HERS rater why their HERS 45 home qualifies for the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program. What is the best explanation?

Accepted Answer

The program requires a HERS score at or below 45 for most climate zones

Answer

HERS 45 means the home produces more energy than it uses

Answer

HERS 45 automatically qualifies any home as net-zero

Answer

DOE ZERH requires HERS 60 or below, and 45 exceeds that requirement

Question 7

How does window-to-floor area ratio affect the HERS Index in a hot climate?

Accepted Answer

Excessive window area in a hot climate increases cooling loads and raises the HERS Index

Answer

More window area always improves the HERS Index due to daylighting benefits

Answer

Window area is not modeled in HERS software

Answer

A higher window ratio always lowers the HERS Index regardless of climate