Standards, Codes, and Ethics 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 Standards, Codes, and Ethics flashcards as text
Which organization jointly developed the ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 Standard for the Calculation and Labeling of the Energy Performance of Dwelling and Sleeping Units?
Answer: RESNET and ICC
The ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 standard was developed jointly by RESNET and the International Code Council (ICC) and accredited by ANSI.
Under the RESNET code of ethics, if a rater becomes aware that a colleague is filing fraudulent ratings, what is the appropriate course of action?
Answer: Report the misconduct to the rater provider and/or RESNET
RESNET's ethics framework obligates raters to report known misconduct to their rater provider or RESNET to protect the integrity of the certification system.
What is the significance of climate zone designations under the IECC for HERS raters?
Answer: They establish insulation, window, and air leakage requirements for each geographic area
IECC climate zones establish location-specific energy code requirements for insulation levels, fenestration values, and air leakage limits that raters must verify.
A HERS rater completes a rating and later learns the homeowner plans to use the rating to fraudulently obtain an energy-efficiency mortgage. What should the rater do?
Answer: Withdraw the rating and report the situation to their rater provider
When a rater discovers their work is being misused for fraud, ethics require withdrawal of the rating and notification to the rater provider for further action.
Under RESNET's sampling protocol, what triggers a 'failed sample' that requires additional confirmed ratings in the sampling group?
Answer: A confirmed rating that fails to meet the builder's energy package specifications
Under RESNET sampling, a confirmed rating that reveals the builder's energy package does not meet specifications constitutes a failed sample, requiring additional confirmed ratings.
Which IECC section requires builders to provide a list of energy features (certificate) to the building owner at the time of occupancy?
Answer: R401.3
IECC Section R401.3 requires a certificate listing the home's energy features — including insulation levels, window U-factors, and equipment efficiencies — to be posted or provided at occupancy.
When a HERS rater operates in a jurisdiction that has adopted a more stringent energy code than the IECC, which standard governs the rating?
Answer: The more stringent local code requirements take precedence
Jurisdictional amendments that are more stringent than the IECC take precedence, and raters must apply the locally adopted code requirements for compliance verification.