Practice Test Geeks(HERS) Home Energy Rater Certification Practice Test
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Building Envelope & Insulation Flashcards

7 cards from real HERS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Building Envelope & Insulation flashcards as text

  1. What is the HERS Index score that represents the performance of the HERS Reference Home?

    Answer: 100

    A HERS Index of 100 represents the energy use of the HERS Reference Home built to the 2006 IECC standard.

  2. For a slab-on-grade foundation in Climate Zone 5, which insulation placement provides the best energy performance?

    Answer: Vertical perimeter insulation extending below the frost line

    Vertical perimeter insulation extending at least to the frost depth minimizes heat loss through the slab edge and foundation wall in cold climates.

  3. What phenomenon occurs when insulation is compressed during installation, such as a thick batt stuffed into a shallow cavity?

    Answer: R-value per inch increases but total R-value decreases

    Compressing fiberglass or mineral wool increases R-value per inch slightly but reduces total installed R-value because less material fills the cavity.

  4. Which standard provides the test method for measuring air leakage of building envelopes using a blower door?

    Answer: ASTM E779

    ASTM E779 is the standard test method for determining air leakage rate by fan pressurization used in blower door testing.

  5. A home has a measured air leakage of 1,800 CFM50 and a conditioned volume of 15,000 cubic feet. What is the ACH50?

    Answer: 7.2

    ACH50 = (CFM50 × 60) / conditioned volume = (1,800 × 60) / 15,000 = 7.2 ACH50.

  6. In a two-story home with an attached conditioned garage, which assembly is part of the thermal envelope?

    Answer: The wall and ceiling between the conditioned living space and the garage

    The thermal envelope separates conditioned from unconditioned space; since the attached garage is unconditioned, the shared wall and ceiling between it and living space is part of the envelope.

  7. What is the primary risk of installing a vapor retarder on both sides of a wall assembly?

    Answer: Moisture trapped within the wall cavity cannot dry to either side

    A double vapor retarder traps moisture in the wall cavity with no drying potential, greatly increasing the risk of mold growth and structural decay.