The California HERS Program includes field verification and diagnostic testing available through Commission-certified providers. The Energy Commission has a process for certifying Home Energy Rating System (HERS) raters who perform third-party inspections when verification of duct sealing, refrigerant charge, airflow measurement, and building envelope sealing measures are used when complying with the 2008 Standards (effective January 1, 2010). Testing and verification protocols are summarized and located in both the Residential and Nonresidential Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing Regulations Manuals.
As a member of the National RESNET organization, Jim Fleming Consultant has subscribed to abide by the Code of Ethics for RESNET Raters. Click here to view a copy of the RESNET Code of Ethics.
I take pride in being unbiased and maintain integrity in my HERS ratings and analysis. My diagnostic equipment includes the latest technologies in Blower Door and Duct Blaster systems.
What is a Home Energy Rating (HERS) ?
Getting information on the relative energy efficiency of washers, dryers, heating systems, computers and cars is easy for a consumer - just check the product efficiency label on the product. Ironically, when buying a home, the largest single purchase and by far the biggest source of energy bills for most families, consumers do not have such a reference. A home energy rating, comparable to checking the miles per gallon sticker on a new car, fills that need.
The home energy rating system (HERS) is a standard measurement of a home's energy efficiency. An energy rating allows a home buyer to easily compare the energy costs for the homes being considered. A home owner who wants to upgrade the home's energy efficiency can use the energy rating to evaluate and pinpoint specific, cost-effective improvements.
The home energy rater inspects the home and measures its energy characteristics, such as insulation levels, window efficiency, wall-to-window ratios, the heating and cooling system efficiency, the solar orientation of the home, and the water heating system. Diagnostic testing, such as blower door for air leakage and duct blaster leakage testing, is often part of the rating.
The data gathered by the home energy rater is input into a computer program and translated into points. The home receives a point score between 1 to 100, depending on its relative efficiency. An estimate of the home's energy costs is also provided. Along with the rating sheet, a home owner receives a report listing cost-effective options for improving the home's energy rating.
Jim Fleming Consultant
530.308.7959 Fax 530.583.4187
jim@energyrater.biz
Serving the
Tahoe/Truckee area
CL# 929329
Certified HERS rater cc2004537