T. C. Lewis & Co. provides one of the Mountain South’s only HERS Rating and Green Verifying Services. HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System, and basically quantifies the energy efficiency of a structure. Green Verifying involves just what the name implies- verifies green methods in construction at specific points before, during, and after construction.
For new construction, a HERS Rating involves the analysis of a home’s construction plans and onsite tests and inspections. Based on those plans, the Rater uses an energy efficiency software package to perform an energy analysis of the home’s design. This analysis yields a projected HERS Index (score). After completing this plan review and projecting the Index, the Rater will work with the builder to identify energy efficiency improvements needed to ensure the house will meet or exceed specific performance guidelines or goals. The Rater conducts onsite inspections and tests, including blower door and duct blaster testing during construction. The results of these tests, along with inputs derived from the original plan review, are plugged into specialized software used to generate the HERS Index (score) of the structure. For frequently asked questions, click here
For existing homes, a HERS Rating works in a very similar way. The actual existing layout of the structure is used (rather than plans), and most calculations are made based on room volumes. Blower door tests and duct blaster tests are performed onsite, and all calculations and information gathered is then plugged into the specialized software. This analysis yields a HERS Index (score) for the existing structure. Recommendations are then provided to the client as to what repairs/changes can be made to the home to improve energy efficiency. Upon completion of recommended improvements, a re-test of the structure is recommended to show the amount of energy efficiency improvement. For frequently asked questions, click here
All legitimate green building programs require a HERS Rating with a specific Index (score) that varies by program to satisfy the energy efficiency portion of the program. This result of this rating is what the government and banks require for all grant, loan discount, and tax credit programs.
Green Verifying can work hand-in-hand with a HERS Rating when building a certified green home. The Green Verifier is responsible for the majority of third-party verification in building a certified green home when building to the ANSI ICC National Green Home Standard. Accredited verifiers perform the following key functions:
Executing a verification agreement with the builder. This defines specific verification fees, number of meetings with the builder, number of inspections of any home presented for certification, and any expected performance tests of homes under construction.
Confirming with the builder that the appropriate home scoring method/tool correctly shows the points claimed by the builder and that both parties understand the level (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Emerald) of green building certification that is being sought by the builder.
Checking to see if a builder candidate is in an approved green development and, if so, determine the number of pre-approved points the green development provides to the builder.
Deciding, with the builder, whether an initial document review of the builder's supporting documentation is required before the initial (pre-drywall) site inspection. Verifiers complete such document review, if needed, and record results.
Scheduling the first (pre-drywall) site inspection and notifying the certifying agent (the NAHB Research Center) of this scheduled date.
Conducting the pre-drywall site inspection and documenting the results.
Documenting any performance tests (i.e. duct leakage test results) done on this home by the verifier or by others.
Scheduling the second (final) inspection and notifying the certifying agent (the NAHB Research Center) of this scheduled date.
Including documentation of any performance tests (blower door or flow hood test results) done on this home by the verifier or by others.
Conducting the final site inspection and documenting the all results (documentation review, first and final site inspections) and any verifier comments into the appropriate form for confirmation by the certifier.
To check out the ANSI ICC National Green Home Standard in partnership with the NAHB point system and requirements click here.
