House as a System

As the basis for conducting a thorough home energy rating, students will learn how the house acts as a system. Based upon these principles you will be able to evaluate any home's energy performance and offer suggestions for improvements. You will learn how to utilize powerful diagnostic equipment and updated software to aid you in the energy analysis. You will also learn the latest energy finance and incentive programs that can help you expand your business.

Who Should Attend

If you are involved in the building industry in any way and want to expand into this exciting new market this course is for you. Target audiences are: home inspectors, insulation contractors, HVAC contractors, builders, energy engineers, utility representatives and remodelers.

About your host

Since 1978, when Southface Energy Institute began as a grassroots volunteer effort, our mission has been to promote sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through education, research, advocacy and technical assistance. Southface teaches a variety of courses involving building science and sustainable development to builders, developers, architects, inspectors, contractors, and others.

What You Will Learn

• An understanding of how the house works as a system
• Principles of heat, air, and moisture transfer
• How to use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment (including Blower Door and Duct Blaster)
• How to produce a complete home energy analysis using REM/Rate software
• How to create or expand your business using the home energy rating system
• How to certify an ENERGY STAR home
• Compliance, promotion and financial incentives for utility-sponsored programs

Energy Rater Certification

Taking this course is the first step toward becoming a Certified Home Energy Rater. As an energy rater, you will be able to produce energy rating reports that will help home buyers and homeowners qualify for financing incentives through a variety of private and government loan programs. This course complies with the Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Standard which has been adopted by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the National Association of State Energy Officials.

National Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) has more information on Home Energy Ratings and provides a list of certified Energy Raters compiled by state.

Certification Requirements

To receive your official energy rater certification you will need the following:

• A demonstrated understanding of the entire rating process (see Performance Test on Day 4 & 5).
• Contract with a HERS Provider accredited in your state.
• Satisfactory completion of 5 probationary energy ratings, two of which may be credited from the course; however, Southface only credits one from the course toward the rater certification program.  The additional ratings must be submitted within 12 months of the last day of the course.
• A score of 80% or higher on the RESNET National Rater Test.  This electronic test will be given at the end of the workshop.

Included in course:

• Home Energy Rating Manual
• Residential Energy by John Krigger
• Copy of training overheads
• A complete set of Southface factsheets
• Sample of completed rating
• Access to additional resources at the Southface Resource Center
• Certificate of completion
• Financing Energy Efficiency Resources
• Discounts on equipment purchases from cooperating vendors

Prior Experience

• We encourage all participants to become familiar with the Blower Door and Duct Blaster equipment prior to course. For more info click here: www.energyconservatory.com.

Things to remember:

• Classes will begin promptly
• Dress is casual
• Please bring a tape measure, clip board, writing utensil & paper, flashlight and a calculator (with square root function)
• Directions and lodging suggestions will be emailed upon acceptance of registration
• Bring TravelDrive (thumbdrive, memory stick) and laptop with Windows 2000, XP, or greater.  Laptop must have CD-ROM drive and USB Port.
  Contact Southface if you require a computer for the course.
• Review all advance course materials so you can be up to speed.

REM/Rate Home Energy Rating Tool

UPDATE LINK. Registered users can obtain updates from this link at Architectural Energy Corporation www.archenergy.com

REM/Rate™ is not sold, but rather licensed annually to HERS providers. The license agreement grants providers the use of the REM/Rate™ software, as many copies of the software as the HERS providers needs, free upgrades, and in many cases the right to sublicense to independent, certified HERS raters working within their program. In exchange, the HERS providers pay an annual license fee, and a rating/use fee for each home certified.