# Presentation: 668493

## How a rating system improves building performance.

- An Introduction to
- The HERS Rating system

- HERS Ratings

##  A HERS Rating is an evaluation of the energy efficiency of a home, compared to a computer-simulated reference house.
 The reference house meets minimum requirements of the 1993 Model Energy Code (MEC)
The new 2006 reference house meets IECC 2004.

-  A HERS Rating is an evaluation of the energy efficiency of a home, compared to a computer-simulated reference house.
-  The reference house meets minimum requirements of the 1993 Model Energy Code (MEC)
- The new 2006 reference house meets IECC 2004.

- HERS Ratings

##  Rating is based on a scale of     0 to 100 points.
 The MEC reference home scores an    80 on the scale.

-  Rating is based on a scale of     0 to 100 points.
-  The MEC reference home scores an    80 on the scale.

- HERS Ratings

## HERS Ratings

- What might be the threshold for a Building America House?

##  From the 80 point level, each additional 1 point results in a 5% reduction in energy usage of heating, cooling & water heating.
 An ENERGY STAR home is currently required to be at least 30% more efficient than the reference home resulting in a minimum score of 86.

-  From the 80 point level, each additional 1 point results in a 5% reduction in energy usage of heating, cooling & water heating.
-  An ENERGY STAR home is currently required to be at least 30% more efficient than the reference home resulting in a minimum score of 86.

- HERS Ratings

- * In Texas & California, ENERGY STAR is 15% above IECC 2000.

## How is a rating determined?

-  Through a carefully outlined verification process performed by certified raters or third-party verifiers.

- Verification

## What is a Rater?

- Verification

## Why is a Rater Important?

- Verification

- Independent verification
- Specialized knowledge
- Use of diagnostic tools
- Centralized data collection

## New Standards for Providers/Raters in 2006

- Verification

- Floor Dimensions
- Blower Door Testing
- Rater Financial Interest
- Rater Software
- Continuing Education
- Quality Assurance Procedures
- Insulation Installation

- Several new enhancements have been made regarding:

## New Standards for Providers/Raters in 2006Insulation Installation

- New Standards for Providers/Raters in 2006Insulation Installation

- Verification

- Insulation Inspection Procedures &  Insulation Inspection Assessments
-      TECH: 2004-01 (now standardized)

**Grade 1**

**Grade 2**

**Grade 3**

## The Verification Process

- Verification

- Plan Analysis

## The Verification Process

- Verification

- Plan Analysis

- Site Orientation
- Shaded Areas
- Proposed SEER
- Insulation Levels
- R-values of  Windows, Walls,...etc.

- Not to scale.

## The Verification Process

- Verification

- On-Site Inspection

- *pre-drywall (not required)

## The Verification Process

- Verification

- Blower Door Tests

## The Verification Process

- Verification

- Duct Blaster  Tests

- tm

## The Verification Process

- Verification

- Final Inspection

## ENERGY STAR 2006

- New RESNET (IECC 2004) Reference Home
- New ENERGY STAR Guidelines

- 2006 Standards

## ENERGY STAR 2006Example of New Proposed Guidelines

- ENERGY STAR 2006Example of New Proposed Guidelines

- 2006 Standards

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- Envelope

- Ductwork

- Infiltration Sealed and Tested to ≤ .35 ac/h; and 2004 IECC Compliant Insulation Levels; and Compliance with Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist.

- Leakage Sealed and Tested to ≤ 4 cfm to Outdoors per 100 sq.ft.; and 2004 IECC Compliant Insulation Levels

## ENERGY STAR 2006Example of New Proposed Guidelines

- ENERGY STAR 2006Example of New Proposed Guidelines

- 2006 Standards

- Cooling Equipment

- Thermostats

- Right-sized ENERGY STAR Qualified Central A/C or Heat Pump

- ENERGY STAR Qualified Thermostat

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- Lighting & Appliances

- Five or more ENERGY STAR Qualified light fixtures/ceiling fans and/or appliances

## ENERGY STAR 2006

- Official Guidelines Due to be Released in August 2006.

- 2006 Standards