RESNET Will Not Extend Interim Addendum 48i, COVID-19 Pandemic Exception for Onsite Airtightness Tests Addendum 48i Exceptions Expire July 1, 2021 During the national emergency caused by COVID-19 and concern over public health, RESNET adopted options for Rating Providers and HERS® Rating Companies that allowed them to not require their certified RESNET HERS® Raters and Rating Field Inspectors (RFIs) to go into the field to inspect and test homes. One measure RESNET adopted was an interim standard amendment, Addendum 48i, that provided an alternative to the enclosure and duct leakage field testing required by Standard ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301. Addendum 48i provided Rating Providers, HERS® Raters and RFIs a table of default values of building enclosure and air distribution systems leakage to be used for calculating ratings when the Standard ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 tests were not conducted. The interim Addendum remained in effect after its original expiration date as RESNET pursued the development of a final Addendum as provided by the Standards Policies and Procedures. However, RESNET has decided the conditions anticipated for the original expiration date are finally falling in place so permanent alternatives to onsite testing will not be necessary. Therefore, interim Addendum 48i will be allowed to expire July 1, 2021. The alternative defaults will no longer be allowed. HERS® ratings will return to being based only on test determined leakage values.
