What does a HERS rater do?

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Program addresses problems in insulation, installation, and poor quality equipment installation for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. After the licensed contractor seals the ducts, a HERS rater will verify the leakage amount of the duct system.

What is a good HERS Index score?

Anything at the average rate or below (100 for a new house, 130 for a lived-in house) is pretty good. A score of 100 indicates a new house is built to code. It’s even better to score below the average. A higher-than-average score means the home can use a few fixes.

How much is a HERS test?

HERS certifications are available during testing for an additional cost. Pricing varies from $150 to $250 with each additional certification running between $50 to $100.

What is involved in hers testing?

HERS testing takes between two to four hours and is performed by a HERS rater—a certified professional that inspects the home, evaluates different features, and determines the home energy rating.

How do I get hers certified?

To earn this HERS certification, students must take the HERS II- Whole House Rater course, pass the course exam with a score of 80% or higher, and pass the HERS II- Whole House Field House exam.

Do I need hers testing?

A HERS test is required in California for newly built homes, new HVAC installation, replacement of an HVAC unit, relocation of a HVAC unit, or adding/replacing 40 or more feet of duct work.

What is the average HERS score?

The average HERS Index Score in 2019 was 59. This is 41% more efficient than a home built as recently as 2006. In 2018, the average HERS Index Score was 61. For a breakdown of the number of homes HERS rated in 2019 and the average HERS Index Score by climate zone go to HERS Activity by Climate Zone.

Can you fail a HERS test?

During construction, Raters verify that the materials being used are in compliance with the Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, including insulation and windows. 100 percent of the insulation is inspected, and if insulation gets covered up prior to the HERS rater seeing it, is an automatic failure.

How long does it take to become a HERS rater?

The training and testing required for California HERS Rater certification is straightforward: Online Training – Complete videos and materials covering the HERS Process. Quizzes at the end of each module test proficiency. Depending on pace, course duration is 20 to 30 hours.

Is hers testing mandatory in California?

Is hers testing required in CA?

Is a 58 HERS score good?

The lower the score, the better. A home with a HERS score of 110 is 10% more inefficient than the reference home, and a home with a HERS score of 30 is 70% more efficient. (A net zero home would have a HERS score of 0.) The average HERS score for homes nationwide is 61, according to RESNET.