The release of the newest version of the software represented by the new ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2014 has dramatically demonstrated an issue that has been apparent for quite some time. Every time standards and software are updated, the HERS® Index score can change. In the case of ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2014 the score change is dramatic. As the HERS® Index continues to grow in our national vocabulary, consistency of the scoring system becomes more and more important. As the standards are currently written, homes in a community with a buildout of twenty years could be using old software because software does not have to be updated due to the notion of “Persistence”. If left open to interpretation, one Projected Rating could be applied to multiple building permits in production housing, allowing “Persistence” based on a Projected Rating to extend the use of older software versions to 5, 10, or even 20 years. After the RESNET Standard Public Review and Comment process the RESNET Standards Management Board has adopted Amendment #2017-01. The amendment requires that “Confirmed or Sampled Ratings on homes with a building permit date that is on or after the six month anniversary of the release of the software must utilize the newly released software. For homes with a building permit date before the six month anniversary of the release of the software shall be allowed to complete a Confirmed or Sampled Rating based on the previous version of the software that was utilized for the Projected Rating. The amendment also allows the RESNET Board of Directors may stipulate a timeframe other than the 6 month anniversary of the building permit date. The adopted amendment is posted at RESNET Standard Amendment #2017-01 The amendment goes into effect on February 16, 2017.
