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
A negative HERS Index score (e.g., HERS −10) means the home:
Answer: Produces more energy than it consumes on an annual basis
A negative HERS Index score means the home generates more energy than it uses annually, indicating it is a net energy producer.
Which of the following improvements would have the GREATEST impact on reducing the HERS Index score of an older, leaky home?
Answer: Air sealing and improving insulation levels
Air sealing and improved insulation directly reduce heating and cooling loads, which are the largest contributors to the HERS Index in leaky older homes.
Under RESNET Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards (MINHERS), how often must a HERS rater renew their certification?
Answer: Every year
RESNET requires HERS raters to renew their certification annually, including completing continuing education requirements.
What is the role of a RESNET Quality Assurance Designee (QAD) in the HERS rating process?
Answer: They review and validate a sample of ratings completed by raters in their network
A QAD is responsible for reviewing a required sample of HERS ratings completed by raters in their provider organization to ensure accuracy and compliance.
For the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program, what is the required HERS Index score before on-site renewables?
Answer: HERS 52 or below
DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes must achieve a HERS Index of 52 or below before accounting for on-site renewable energy generation.
How does window area and orientation affect the HERS Index score?
Answer: Window U-factor, SHGC, and area are modeled and affect heating and cooling loads in the score
The HERS energy model accounts for window U-factor, SHGC, and total glazing area, all of which influence heating and cooling energy loads and the final score.
A builder wants to advertise a home's HERS score on a listing. Which type of rating must be completed for the score to be considered official and final?
Answer: Confirmed Rating with all required on-site testing completed
Only a Confirmed Rating—completed with on-site inspections and all required performance testing—is considered official and final under RESNET standards.