Changes to the RESNET MINHERS and ANSI Standards

The RESNET MINHERS and ANSI Standards addendums will go into effect on July 1, 2022

By Yvonne Nguyen

Starting July 1, 2022, seven new changes to the RESNET MINHERS and ANSI Standards will take effect. In a webinar led by RESNET Chair members Sharla Riead, Gayathri Vijayakumar and John Hensley, each addendum gets broken down into digestible segments and the hosts explain the new changes and how it will affect HERS Rater Candidates, Raters, RFIs, HERS Modelers and everyone involved in the certification process. 

Addendum 63: Training Expiration

Addendum 63 clarifies the time frame a Rater Candidate has to complete the HERS Rater Certification Process. Candidates have 15 months to meet all requirements starting the day after passing of the National RESNET Rater Exam. Additionally, if the time frame is missed, exams must be retaken and the 15-month period will be reset. 

Addendum 60: Combustion Safety Field Training

As a result of an information request, Addendum 60 defines the tasks that are required as part of the mentored probationary ratings to qualify for certification as a HERS rater. 

Completion of specific tasks are now required in order to demonstrate knowledge and ability. The combustion safety and field demonstration section was specifically addressed as there are regions where hands-on testing may be a challenge. Field training is still required, but in those cases, it is left up to the Rating Quality Assurance Provider to determine the best method and location. 

Addendum 64f: Multi-family and PR/US VI

Addendum 64f addresses two separate issues.

Firstly, in response to a gap in guidance for sampling multifamily buildings, the use of the RESNET Guideline for Multifamily Energy Ratings for samplings of field inspections and testing is permitted until further notice. 

Secondly, the expiration date for the current exception for air leakage testing created for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands has been extended. The use of 10 ACH50 in lieu of a test will be allowed for permits prior to January 1, 2024. 

Addendum 58f: Pre-drywall Inspection QA

Addendum 58f sets clear criteria for what pre-drywall QA field reviews can be used for. Pre-drywall QA Field reviews can be used to meet all or part of the annual 1% QA Field review requirement for a HERS Rater or RFI, with the limitation that Pre-drywall Field QA Reviews may not be used to satisfy the full field QA requirement for a given rater or RFI in consecutive years.

HERS Raters and RFIs are exempt from receiving a QA field review for pre-drywall or final inspections and/or testing if they have not performed inspections and/or testing of any minimum rated features for pre-drywall or completed homes within the calendar year.

Addendum 56: HERS Modeler QA

Addendum 56 establishes Quality Assurance criteria for HERS Modelers. The HERS Modeler is the certification established by the RESNET Board of Directors required for all persons using RESNET accredited software to determine HERS ratings for homes.

The QA File review shall assess the rating as a whole. The Rater of Record is the responsible party for communicating with the Quality Assurance Designee, acknowledging the review and ensuring any necessary corrections are made. Feedback shall be shared with all HERS Raters/RFIs/HERS Modelers participating in the rating. 

The QA File review shall assess the rating as a whole. For HERS Raters utilizing HERS Modelers, the Quality Assurance Designee shall ensure that a QA File review is completed on a minimum of one rating on a completed home per year. The HERS Modeler QA File reviews may fulfill all of the HERS Rater’s annual QA File review requirement. Ratings shall be selected using an unbiased selection process from the entire pool of ratings available at the time of the review for each HERS Rater.

Addendum 54: HVAC System Installation Grading QA

Addendum 54 establishes the Quality Assurance requirements necessary for implementation of Standard ANSI/RESNET/ACCA/ICC 310-2020, Standard for Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems. As this certification is not part of the standard HERS Rater certification, additional training and credentials are required before a Certified HERS Rater or RFI may conduct HVAC Grading. 

At minimum, the Rating Provider shall collect, review and maintain (for a period of 3 years) the date, time and name of the Certified Rater or RFI conducting the inspection or test and the building plans or documentation showing building dimensions and RESNET Home Energy Rating Standard Disclosure. 

In addition, photos of the Dwelling Unit Mechanical Ventilation System including nameplate, model number and controls, infiltration test result or automated test report and duct leakage test results for each system are among the documentation required where applicable. 

For those interested in proposing amendment revisions or requesting clarification, you’re highly encouraged to attend the webinars and provide feedback once an addendum is open for public comments. For more information on the RESNET MINHERS and ANSI Standards changes, visit www.resnet.us. 

Yvonne Nguyen is the Assistant Editor of Builder and Developer. She can be reached at yvonne@builder.media.