HUD Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under HUD's Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), what is the primary goal of energy retrofit funding for assisted housing?
- Increase rental unit square footage
- Reduce energy and water consumption while improving climate resilience (Correct answer)
- Upgrade cosmetic finishes and common areas
- Convert fossil fuel systems to natural gas
Correct answer: Reduce energy and water consumption while improving climate resilience
GRRP provides funding to reduce energy and water consumption in HUD-assisted multifamily housing while improving resilience to climate-related risks.
Question 2: What does the term 'thermal bridging' refer to in the context of building energy performance?
- Heat transfer through a material with higher conductivity that bypasses insulation (Correct answer)
- A connection between heating and cooling systems
- A bridge-shaped architectural feature that absorbs solar heat
- The movement of warm air from lower floors to upper floors
Correct answer: Heat transfer through a material with higher conductivity that bypasses insulation
Thermal bridging occurs when a conductive material (such as a metal stud or concrete floor slab) provides a path for heat flow that bypasses the insulation layer.
Question 3: An HUD inspector finds a gas water heater with a first-hour rating of 60 gallons serving a 4-bedroom unit. What is the inspector most likely to flag?
- The unit size is adequate for a 4-bedroom household
- The water heater may be undersized for the household's peak demand (Correct answer)
- The water heater type is prohibited under HUD standards
- Gas water heaters are not approved for HUD properties
Correct answer: The water heater may be undersized for the household's peak demand
A 4-bedroom household typically requires a first-hour rating of at least 80 gallons; a 60-gallon first-hour rating may be undersized for peak demand.
Question 4: Which type of ventilation system is considered most energy-efficient for providing whole-house mechanical ventilation in tight HUD-assisted homes?
- Exhaust-only ventilation system
- Supply-only ventilation system
- Balanced heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) (Correct answer)
- Open-window natural ventilation
Correct answer: Balanced heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV)
HRV/ERV systems recover heat (or heat and moisture) from outgoing exhaust air and transfer it to incoming fresh air, maintaining indoor air quality with minimal energy penalty.
Question 5: What minimum wall insulation R-value does HUD typically require for new construction in Climate Zone 5 (northern states)?
- R-11
- R-13
- R-20 continuous or R-13 + R-5 continuous (Correct answer)
- R-30
Correct answer: R-20 continuous or R-13 + R-5 continuous
IECC and HUD standards for Climate Zone 5 typically require R-20 continuous insulation or R-13 cavity plus R-5 continuous insulation for above-grade walls.
Question 6: During a weatherization inspection, a HUD inspector identifies combustion appliances in a tight, well-sealed home. What is the primary safety concern?
- Increased energy bills from excessive ventilation
- Carbon monoxide backdrafting due to insufficient combustion air (Correct answer)
- Overheating of insulation materials near the furnace
- Moisture accumulation on exterior walls
Correct answer: Carbon monoxide backdrafting due to insufficient combustion air
In a tight home, combustion appliances may lack sufficient makeup air, causing negative pressure that can backdraft flue gases including carbon monoxide into the living space.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a 'duct blaster' test performed during a HUD energy inspection?
- To measure the structural strength of ductwork
- To quantify air leakage from the HVAC distribution system (Correct answer)
- To test the blower speed of the air handler
- To verify duct sizing is correct for the system
Correct answer: To quantify air leakage from the HVAC distribution system
A duct blaster (or duct pressurization test) pressurizes the duct system to measure how much air is leaking from joints, seams, and connections.
HUD Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Standards 2
Under HUD's Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), what is the primary goal of energy retrofit funding for assisted housing?