HUD Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Standards 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What federal program provides grants to states and local agencies to improve the energy efficiency of low-income households?
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) (Correct answer)
- HOME Investment Partnerships Program
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Correct answer: Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, funds energy efficiency improvements for low-income households.
Question 2: Which insulation R-value is typically required by HUD for attic insulation in most climate zones to meet current energy standards?
- R-11
- R-19
- R-38 or higher (Correct answer)
- R-13
Correct answer: R-38 or higher
HUD and modern energy codes generally require R-38 or higher for attic insulation in most U.S. climate zones to achieve adequate thermal performance.
Question 3: During a HUD energy inspection, what does a 'blower door test' measure?
- Air infiltration and building envelope leakage (Correct answer)
- HVAC system airflow capacity
- Door frame structural integrity
- Exhaust fan performance
Correct answer: Air infiltration and building envelope leakage
A blower door test depressurizes the building to measure air infiltration rates, identifying leaks in the building envelope that reduce energy efficiency.
Question 4: What is the minimum window U-factor typically required for HUD-assisted new construction in a cold climate zone?
- 0.50
- 0.35 (Correct answer)
- 0.20
- 0.65
Correct answer: 0.35
HUD energy standards aligned with IECC require window U-factors of 0.35 or lower in cold climate zones to limit heat loss through glazing.
Question 5: Which document provides the primary energy efficiency guidelines that HUD-assisted new construction projects must comply with?
- HUD Handbook 4000.1
- International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) (Correct answer)
- ASHRAE 90.2
- Uniform Building Code (UBC)
Correct answer: International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
HUD requires that new construction and substantial rehabilitation projects comply with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as the baseline energy standard.
Question 6: When inspecting a HUD property, which area is typically the most significant source of uncontrolled air infiltration?
- Exterior wall surfaces
- Penetrations around plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems (Correct answer)
- Attic hatch openings
- Window glazing centers
Correct answer: Penetrations around plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
Penetrations where plumbing, electrical conduits, and HVAC systems pass through the building envelope are typically the largest sources of uncontrolled air leakage.
Question 7: What SEER rating is the current federal minimum for new central air conditioning systems installed in HUD-assisted housing in the southern United States?
- 10 SEER
- 13 SEER
- 14 SEER (Correct answer)
- 18 SEER
Correct answer: 14 SEER
As of 2023, the federal minimum SEER rating for new central air conditioners in the southern U.S. region is 14 SEER under DOE standards referenced by HUD.
HUD Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Standards 1
What federal program provides grants to states and local agencies to improve the energy efficiency of low-income households?