A practical guide for HERS Raters, RFIs, and HERS Modelers Refrigerators are often not installed when the final inspection is completed. When that occurs, do not enter an assumed efficient model, a builder’s intended appliance, or a generic value from another project. When a refrigerator is not installed, ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard 301 requires the Rated Home to use the same refrigerator energy consumption as the Energy Rating Reference Home. That value is based on the home’s number of bedrooms. The Default Calculation Annual refrigerator energy use = 637 + (number of bedrooms × 18) kWh/year When an Appliance Is Installed Use the installed appliance information instead of the bedroom-based default. Document the manufacturer and model number and use the annual energy consumption shown on the appliance’s EnergyGuide label or other official documentation. If more than one refrigerator or freezer is present, account for the total energy consumption of all units included in the Rated Home. This includes permanently installed wine refrigerators and ice makers. Why the Distinction Matters The default is not a penalty and is not a prediction of the appliance the homeowner will purchase. Instead it provides a consistent modeling when no refrigerator is present. Because the same value is used in both the Rated Home and the Reference Home, the default does not create a refrigerator-efficiency advantage. When a refrigerator is installed, however, its documented energy consumption can affect the HERS Index when it differs from the reference value. Field reminder: At the final inspection, photograph the appliance nameplate/model number and the EnergyGuide label when available. If no refrigerator is installed, take a photo of the empty space to document this condition.
