Course: BA & HERS Rater, ***Demo***

Building Analyst and HERS Rater

This demonstration course provides a sample week of resources from our Building Analyst and HERS Rater course. Each weekly topic includes an overview of the technology, examples of typical installations and their defects, procedures for performing audits, and guidelines for analyzing potential retrofits. A balanced approach to building performance is presented here that addresses energy efficiency, building durability, and human health.

The information presented here covers the topic areas included in the BPI Building Certification Model, and the RESNET Home Energy Rating Standards. This course provides core competencies for technicians who will also complete classroom training.

Basic Building Science

This topic describes the most essential physical principles and technical skills that underlay the work of building scientists.
A working knowledge of this material is critical to understanding every other topic presented here.

Building Assessment Skills

All building performance improvements must be preceded by an accurate and informed assessment of the structure. This topic provides guidance for inspection, measurement, and testing procedures. Modules on utility bill analysis and computer auditing will help analysts fine-tune their audits.

The following material will be available in this topic.
1. CHEC Modules: Energy Auditing,Technical Math Skills, Analyzing Consumption
2. Videos: Math Operation Series, Measuring a House
3. Interactive Lesson: Calculating Area and Volume of Buildings
4. Quiz: 10 questions
CHEC - Construction Basics file

Air Leakage Diagnostics

Air leakage is a fundamental but complex housing problem that determines energy waste, indoor air quality, and building durability. This topic focuses on methods of measuring air leakage, guidelines for evaluating potential energy savings, and principles for evaluating ventilation.

The following material will be available in this topic.
1. CHEC Modules: Blower-Door Basics, DG-3 Manometer, DG-700 Manometer, Minimum Ventilation Guideline, Duct Blower Testing
2. Videos: Blower Door test prep and setup
3. Interactive Lesson: Converting Air Flow to Air Change
4. Quiz: 10 questions
CHEC - DG-700 Manometer (optional) file

Heating and Cooling Systems

Heating and cooling systems are the most complicated equipment in most homes. They also consume the majority of energy in many climates. This topic illustrates the range of equipment used, describes the operation of each, and provides guidance for assessing the most critical operating parameters. Assessment of ducts and airflow are included here.

The following material will be available in this topic.
1. CHEC Modules: Identifying Gas Furnaces, Combustion Safety, AC and Heat Pump Equipment, Duct Systems
2. Videos: Efficiency, Combustion Safety, Venting
3. Quiz: 10 questions

Building Enclosure

Improving the efficiency of the building shell is the key to comfort and seasonal energy savings. Insulation and air sealing are the primary topics here, and a strong case is made for maximizing the application of both measures. Window repair and replacement are included here.

The following material will be available in this topic.
1. CHEC Modules: Air Barrier Repair, Fibrous Insulation, Foam Insulation,Floor and Foundation Insulation, Window Efficiency
2. Videos: Auditing Measurements Series
3. Interactive Lesson: Calculating R-Values of Insulation
4. Quiz: 10 questions
CHEC - Air Barrier Basics file

Durable Healthy Homes

Building performance work cannot be separated from air quality and moisture management. This topic draws the connections among comfort, durability, and safety, and outlines the simplest approaches to achieving all three. Principles of mechanical ventilation are included here.

The following material will be available in this topic.
1. CHEC Modules: Indoor Air Pollutants, Basic Moisture Management, Basic Mechanical Ventilation
2. Video: Exhaust Ventilation Systems
3. Quiz: 10 questions

Water Heating and Baseload

Water heating, lighting, refrigeration, and other baseload should never be overlooked in a comprehensive building performance project. In mild climates, they may consume more energy than heating and cooling combined. Appliance replacement in particular is increasingly attractive as technologically advanced equipment comes to market.

The following material will be available in this topic.
1. CHEC Modules: Water Heating Basics, Residential Lighting, Residential Refrigerators
2. Interactive Lesson: Calculating Simple Payback from Lighting Retrofits
3. Quiz: 10 questions

Final Exam

The final exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions. It draws from all the material covered in the building science topics above.

You'll have two hours to complete the exam. Be sure to schedule a block of un-interupted time for the exam -- once you begin, you must finish it in one sitting. The exam is formatted like the 10-question quizzes that are included in each topic. You'll see 10 questions at a time. You can save each page before you go on to the next, and you'll be able to return to any page to check your responses before submitting the entire exam.

RESNET and BPI Standards
If you're taking this course as preparation for the RESNET HERS Rater or BPI Building Analyst certifications, these presentations will be useful information. If you are not a candidate for either RESNET or BPI this information may be skipped.
CHEC - RESNET HERS Certification file
Projected HERS Rating
As a component of this course we provide HERS Rater candidates with the tools necessary to complete a Projected HERS Rating. This Rating will qualify for one of the two Ratings required by RESNET toward your certification. The goal here isn't to perform an perfect Rating and come up with the exact same HERS Index we do. It's simply to start to become familiar with the process.
Certification Testing Session Requests
Once you have completed all of your studies, quizzes, and final exam we will be able to schedule either, or both the RESNET HERS Rater Exam and BPI Building Analyst Exam. Please allow one week for us to schedule your session. Details on the testing process, costs, and payment will be available though the following links.