HERS® Raters – Cost Effective Opportunity to Improve HERS Index Scores and Qualify Homes for the 45L Federal Tax Credit

Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems

In the past, certified RESNET HERS® Raters had to rely on the nameplate data of an HVAC system in calculating the efficiency of a home. It is generally understood that in many instances the HVAC system is not installed per the manufacturer’s specification.  This means that far too often the home’s HVAC did not perform as efficiently as the rating indicated.

This has all changed with the adoption by ANSI of the RESNET/ACCA/ICC Standard for Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems. The standard sets a realistic level of the performance of an HVAC system in the reference home and awards the increased performance of a system based upon the inspection and testing of the system by a certified RESNET HERS® Rater.

Grade I installation could reduce HERS® Index Scores by as much as 6 points! (depending on climate zone)

Achieving a Grade I installation is also credited in the qualification of a home for the federal 45L tax credit for energy efficient homes.

Learn more about this opportunity by downloading the infographic below

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This is a major opportunity for the HERS® Industry

Training

Standard 310 Training Is Required:

  • For certified RESNET HERS® Raters or Rating Field Inspectors (RFIs) who choose to work on ratings that show credit for HVAC grading
  • For 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 self-guided modules (approximately 4.5 hours)
  • Participating Raters and RFIs are required to pass a field practical assessment overseen by a qualified QAD.
  • Visit portal.resnet.us to access training.

ANSI/RESNET/ACCA 310-2020 Standard for Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems

Read the full standard at https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/ANSIRESNETACCA_310-2020_v7.1.pdf

New Grading HVAC Standard FAQs Infographic

Download Infographic

Interested in voluntarily taking additional training? There are courses approved for PDUs on HVAC. See the full listing of approved courses here.

HVAC 101
Southern Energy Management
Contact: Daniel Conner
Credits Approved: 3
Approved Date: October 20, 2023
Expiration Date: October 20, 2026

PSD Rater October Webinar – HVAC Grading and How it Relates to ENERGY STAR & 45L
Performance Systems Development
Contact: Cindy Zeis
Credits Approved: 1
Approved Date: November 7, 2022
Expiration Date: November 7, 2025

Smart(er) thermostats PLUS a bonus: HVAC service via Bluetooth & the Internet
Slipstream Group, Inc.
Contact: Greg Nahn
Credits Approved: 1
Approved Date: July 13, 2021
Expiration Date: July 13, 2024

ANSI/RESNET/ACCA 310
CalCERTS
Contact: Daria Young
Credits Approved: 4.5
Approved Date: February 23, 2023
Expiration Date: February 23, 2026

ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Standard 310 – HVAC Grading
Building Efficiency Resources (BER)
Contact: Chris McTaggart
Credits Approved: 5
Approved Date: July 19, 2024
Expiration Date: July 19, 2027

High Performance HVAC and Mechanical Code Training
Southface Energy Institute
Contact: Spencer Rose
Credits Approved: 3
Approved Date: July 19, 2024
Expiration Date: July 19, 2027

RESNET HVAC QI Training – Hands On
Florida Solar Energy Center
Contact: Tei A.. Kucharski
Credits Approved: 8
Approved Date: July 19, 2024
Expiration Date: July 19, 2027

310 Deep Dive
Building Performance Solutions, LLC
Contact: John Andrew Hensley
Credits Approved: 12
Approved Date: September 25, 2024
Expiration Date: September 25, 2027