Accurate and complete documentation helps protect the integrity of a HERS® Rating and supports efficient quality assurance reviews. Mechanical ventilation systems are one area where complete photo records are particularly important because they document both system identification and performance verification. Presently in the RESNET QA® App and API, there is only one line item to cover all aspects of Mechanical Ventilation System verification and testing. Currently, any missing photo for mechanical ventilation triggers an automatic failure, regardless of whether the missing photo is the nameplate/model number, the controls and/or the test result(s). This technical bulletin is intended to clarify the intent of the automatic failure for missing required photos and provide guidance on when it is appropriate to use the QAD override. What Documentation Is Required? HERS® Standards 904.3.2.7.3.1 require Rating Providers to collect, review, and maintain supporting documentation, including photos, for each file QA review. For dwelling unit mechanical ventilation systems, documentation shall include photos of: The nameplate with model number. System controls, as applicable. Mechanical ventilation test results for each system. These records help demonstrate that the installed system was identified correctly, and that required airflow testing was performed. RESNET Guidance for QA Reviews One or more missing required testing photo(s): ✓ Automatic failure of the QA Review ✓ Override is not appropriate One or two missing required non-testing photo(s): ✓ Counts towards the minimum overall three (3) missing required non-testing photo limit ✓ Counts towards the overall points score ✓ Selecting the “QAD Override Missing Photos Limit Failure” option in the QAD Override for Required Photos line item is appropriate only if both of the following are true: The review is not failing due to accumulated points The review is not failing due to three or more missing required non-testing photos (overall) The review is not failing due to one or more missing required testing photo(s) Three or more missing required non-testing photo(s): ✓ Automatic failure of the QA Review ✓ Override is not appropriate If you have any questions about mechanical ventilation documentation or QA review scoring, please contact your RESNET QA team at technicalsupport@resnet.us.
