As the federal government handed out stimulus funds a few years ago, it required that the states receiving the money would comply with a stricter energy efficiency building code in the future. Specifically that code was the International Energy Conservation Code of 2009 (2009 IECC). This code is doing a lot to raise the bar in the energy efficiency practices of our construction industry.
The US EPA through its EnergyStar® for new homes program has kept ahead of this new curve. It has recently announced Energy Star Version 3, which goes well beyond the older Version 2, as well as the 2009 IECC. Under the program, which takes effect beginning January 1, 2012, builders who want to have their new homes qualified as Energy Star compliant are required to undergo a third party verification process by a HERS Rater. Although this was also true under the old Version 2, the verification process, and hence the role of the HERS Rater, have been greatly expanded under Version 3. For instance, now a home’s energy efficiency characteristics will have to be upgraded if the home has too much square footage for the number of occupants. A 2-bedroom, 7000 square foot home would have a much harder time being certified than a 2-bedroom, 1500 square foot home. The larger home would require heavier insulation, more efficient equipment, perhaps solar heat or photovoltaic panels, etc. to make up for its increased square footage.
In addition to making these adjustments, the HERS Rater also takes on added responsibilities in the verification process. Inspections and/or checklists for properly sized and installed HVAC systems (including ductwork), moisture management systems, thermal enclosure issues such as insulation levels, air sealing, energy efficient framing practices, appropriate windows and doors, are all among the Rater’s responsibilities.
Because of these added responsibilities, all HERS Raters must undergo additional training and pass a certification exam before they will be able to certify homes under Version 3. The task of providing this training and administering the exam has been handed to a group of approved RESNET Training Providers. Home Energy Raters of Illinois LLC is pleased to announce that it is among the Training Providers approved to offer this program to HERS Raters. The certification course will be open to all existing HERS raters, class sessions will be offered on the following dates: April 11-13, April 25-27, May 2-4. Learn more about the class sessions and register early, class size is limited to 12 students.
Home Energy Raters of Illinois looks forward to our continued relationship with the EPA and its Energy Star for new homes program.
Filed under: energy efficient illinois, HERS Rater Training, Home Energy Audit Tagged: | EnergyStar, Home Energy Rater Tools, New energy efficient guidelines for raters
