Home Energy Rating System Rater (HERS Rater) is a person Trained and Certified by a State approved organization through the California Department of Energy to perform Testing pertaining to conserving energy. HERS Raters can perform many services from duct testing to builder inspections for LEED or Energy Star programs, energy credits, or other energy saving inspections.
A Duct leakage HERS test is a pressure test to measure any air loss in your duct system. The HERS Rater seals off the duct system to pressurize it using special duct testing equipment that measures the input and loss. The Energy Department found that the average homes duct system leaks approximately 30% and made duct leakage testing mandatory Oct 2005.
Duct sealing and airflow/fan watt draw verifications are required in all climate zones, refrigerant charge verifications are only required in climate zones 2 and 8–15.
How long does it take to perform a standard air tightness test of a house or HERS duct system?
A
standard air tightness test of a house can usually be completed in 30
minutes or less. If you are having the Air conditioning also tested the
total test should be about 1 hour. The Blower Door can typically be
installed in about 5 - 10 minutes. Additional preparation and inspection
of the house prior to beginning a test adds another 15 minutes. At this
point, a test of the house to determine the overall leakage of the
envelope can be conducted in less than 5 minutes.
Once the simple
air tightness test has been completed, additional diagnostic procedures
to find and prioritize the major leakage sites can add another 20 to 45
minutes depending on the size and complexity of the house, and the
procedures used.
A standard air tightness duct test system using a
Duct Blaster usually takes a little longer than a house test (about 20
to 30 minutes more), due to the need to temporarily seal all registers
and grills before starting the testing procedure. Use of an adhesive
backed register sealing material, such as Duct Mask, can keep this
additional time investment to a minimum.
Are there Utility Company rebates available?
Yes. The major utility
companies have programs available each year for New Construction
Builders and existing homeowners as well. The funds are available on a
first-come-first-served basis and are limited. Please call your utility
company to inquire about funds availability.
Why do I need a Title-24?
The California Energy Commission requires
the County or City Building Departments review a Title-24 energy
calculation on your home to ensure the new construction, addition, or
remodels comply with California Code Efficiency Standards before a
permit is issued
When do I need a Title-24?
Anytime you build a new home, change the square footage of the house or increase the window sizes.
About Energy Star
ENERGY STAR, an innovative energy efficiency
program first introduced in 1995 by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), is a voluntary national partnership that now includes more
than 2,400 builders, developers, retailers and product manufacturers
all working to build homes that use energy more efficiently.
What is an Energy Star Home?
An Energy Star home is built a minimum
of 15% more energy compliant than California Energy Code requirements.
The extra measures used to meet the minimum 15% are required to be
verified by an independent 3rd party tester/inspector (called a HERS
Rater). Once the tests/inspections are successfully verified, Home
Energy Rating Service registers the home on the State Registry and
issues the Energy Star Certificate.
Why would I want my home to be Energy Star?
An Energy Star home has
various advantages. The greatest advantages are lower utility bills and
mortgage incentives. For new homebuilders, the advantages also include
marketing benefits.
What is the difference between Energy Star and the Total Home™ System programs?
The
Total Home System™ incorporates all Energy Star measures and more. The
house is required to have ACCA approved duct designs, improved
insulation installation and the outside envelope is better sealed to
prevent your conditioned air from escaping. At each step, a qualified
HERS Rater inspects and tests each home to verify the superior energy
efficiency quality of the home.