Attention Certified Home Energy Raters, Rating Field Inspectors, and Quality Assurance Designees: Background: In early August, RESNET announced adoption of Interim Amendment 52i-, eligibility to grade HVAC Systems in accordance with ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Standard 310. Interim amendments go into effect immediately but are subject to the usual public comment process within 120 days. As such, there is a standard amendment in process that will replace this interim amendment. In the meantime, RESNET is implementing training and testing requirements in accordance with 52i in order to meet urgent demand for HVAC Quality Installation grading by builders and other stakeholders. Timeline: Addendum B-2020 to ANSI 301-2019 allowed for voluntary use of ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Standard 310 for use in calculating Energy Rating Index Scores on Ratings beginning on July 24, 2020. This allows RESNET Accredited Software Providers to update their tools with the new calculations that give potential credit for verified HVAC Quality Installation. How does this affect you? 1. Accredited Software Versions The changes in ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2019 Addendum B-2020 to incorporate ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Standard 310 will require significant updates to Approved Software Rating Tools. For ratings with Building Permit Dates on or after July 24, 2020 Raters must use versions of Approved Software Rating Tools that have been updated and accredited in order to show credit for HVAC grading. Because HVAC grading is voluntary, Raters choosing to use the new Standard must confirm with their software provider, which versions, if any, have been updated and accredited for use with that Standard. No software tools are accredited at this time. Raters may not use software accredited for use with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2014 to show credit for HVAC grading. 2. Mandatory Training For those choosing not to perform the additional testing and inspections for HVAC grading, default values are allowed within the Accredited Rating Software tools, and no additional training is required. However, Raters or Rating Field Inspectors who choose to work on ratings that show credit for HVAC grading must complete training on these Standards. The training requirement also applies to the Quality Assurance Designees who perform QA reviews on any ratings that show credit for HVAC grading. The required training consists of a four-part series of online modules. These videos may be viewed at your own pace but all four are required before the Rating Provider can upload ratings that show credit for HVAC grading. The total time for all four is approximately 4.5 hours. You must watch all four videos until the end. Watching to the end is critical as it drives the prompt to enter your RTIN or RFIIN so you can get credit for them. In addition, individuals must pass a Graded Field Evaluation, overseen by an approved QAD to satisfy the training requirement. To access the training videos, you may log into the portal https://portal.resnet.us/ If you are new to the portal click on “New User? Register Now” then on the next screen click on “Training Portal” The RESNET National Buildings Registry will not accept ratings taking credit for HVAC grade I or II unless the rater and RFIs listed on the rating are on the approved list. Once both training and successful Graded Field Evaluation are complete, raters and RFIs completing ratings under the new standard may apply via online application to get on the approved list. QADs who perform field and file QA reviews on ratings taking credit for HVAC grading must also apply via online application after completing training.
