Practice Test Geeks(HERS) Home Energy Rater Certification Practice Test
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HERS Index Scoring 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 HERS Index Scoring flashcards as text

  1. Which energy end-uses are included in the HERS Index calculation?

    Answer: Heating, cooling, water heating, and RESNET-defined major appliances

    The HERS Index includes heating, cooling, domestic hot water, and RESNET-defined major appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and clothes washers/dryers.

  2. What HERS Index score must a home achieve to qualify for the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Version 3.2 program (new construction)?

    Answer: HERS 57 or below depending on climate zone

    ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Version 3.2 requires a HERS Index of 57 or below, with the exact threshold varying by climate zone.

  3. How does building envelope air leakage affect the HERS Index score?

    Answer: Higher air leakage raises the HERS score by increasing energy loads for heating and cooling

    Higher air leakage increases heating and cooling energy loads, which raises the HERS Index score and indicates worse energy performance.

  4. In the HERS rating system, what does a Projected Rating (PR) represent?

    Answer: A rating based on design plans before construction is complete

    A Projected Rating is based on building plans and specifications before or during construction, prior to final on-site verification testing.

  5. Which climate variable is accounted for when calculating the HERS reference home's energy use?

    Answer: The specific climate zone where the rated home is located

    The HERS reference home uses the same climate zone and weather data as the rated home, ensuring a fair comparison in that specific location.

  6. What is the approximate HERS Index range for a typical new home built to the 2009 IECC energy code?

    Answer: HERS 85–100

    Homes built to the 2009 IECC typically score in the HERS 85–100 range, reflecting modest efficiency improvements over the HERS reference home.

  7. When on-site duct leakage testing cannot be performed because ducts are inaccessible, RESNET standards allow raters to use:

    Answer: An assumed duct leakage value specified by RESNET

    RESNET standards permit raters to use default assumed duct leakage values when ducts are inaccessible and testing cannot be completed.