Energy efficiency programs are gaining ground in our building industry every year. Many programs require a certified HERS rater to inspect and verify energy features in new construction or remodeling/additions.
As a licensed HERS Rater, it allows us to utilize the REMRATE energy modeling software to analyze and estimate future energy usage in your new house or renovation project. This involves inputting all the different products, appliances, as well as building component shapes and sizes. After all the elements of a project are entered into the software, HERS rating is generate. The rating places your home’s energy use on a scale from 100 to 0. A zero rating indicates a “net zero project” that uses no energy from outside sources. Whereas a 100 rating is a home built to the code standard and requires outside energy sources. The HERS rating is part of what is used to qualify for certification programs.
With your home or project entered into the HERS rating software, it is possible to interchange elements and see how it will affect the final outcome. This is particularly useful if your project is not meeting energy standards of a specific green certification program.
Field verification is an integral part of the certification process. This involves several site visits checking for installation quality of products and systems throughout the building process. Especially for evaluating items like insulation that cannot be seen after finishes are installed. Houses cannot be certified without this inspection process.
Field verification is followed by final diagnostic testing at the end of construction. The testing includes whole house for air leakage, duct leakage, and the collection of appliance data. This provides confirmation the house will perform the way it should.
The certification process simply puts another set of eyes on your project with the sole purpose of improving your homes energy efficiency.
Certification programs provide detailed guidance about how to build an energy efficient home. Our role is to provide guidance, inspections of installed systems, and diagnostic testing of the final project. The energy modeling coupled with inspections and testing during the home building process can allow us to certify your project through Viridiant’s EarthCraft Home program as well as the Energy Star program.
There are many more details to this process, so for more info please contact us before your project gets started!
Trust but verify 757-438-8624
