Note: You must be EPA 608 type II or universal certified before you can become a CalCERTS certified HERS Rater

This 16 hour class will take place in a lab setting, either in a lab with stations specifically designed to train on the various tests and inspections or in an actual house. The intent of this class is to provide candidates practical experience using examples of the diagnostic equipment they may encounter as raters and to provide hands-on experience performing some of the tests/inspections they will be asked to do. Some of the tests/inspections are not covered in this class if they are specific to a certain certification (e.g., the identification of ice storage air conditioners is only required for Newly Constructed Buildings inspections). These will be covered in the appropriate class.

Prerequisites: HERS Residential Alterations Fundamentals

Course Duration: 16 clock hours

Frequency of Class Sessions: Once a month

Text Book: CalCERTS HERS Title 24 HERS Certification Training Manual

Learning Objectives:

• Introduce students to the mandatory HERS measurements.
• Demonstrate the equipment that is required to perform the mandatory HERS measurements.
• Each student to complete Hands-On Labs using HERS measurement equipment and devices.
• Explain the protocols for each mandatory HERS measurement test.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify the mandatory HERS measurements.
• Measure building pressures.
• Set up a manometer to measure building pressure and duct leakage.
• Perform a blower door test.
• Perform a duct leakage test.
• Perform a system airflow test using a flow hood or a flow grid.
• Measure fan watt-draw.
• Measure refrigerant change in an active Air Conditioning (AC) system.
• Successfully complete Refrigerant Charge and Airflow (RCA) charge calculations.

  Topics Covered In This Class:

• Building Pressures
• Measuring Pressure 24
• Measuring Building Air Leakage
• Advanced Manometer Features
• Title 24 Verification Protocols
• Work Scope Definitions
• Duct Leakage Test Protocols
• Airflow and Fan Efficacy
• System Airflow Measurement
• Fan Watt Draw Measurement
• Refrigerant Charge and Airflow
• Standard Charge Verification Procedure
• Weigh-In Charge Procedure

Note: There will be a written exam at the end of this class. The exam is open book and multiple choice. The required pass rate is 80%. If you do not pass the first time, you will be given two additional attempts. Re-Test Fees will apply. This class is not a substitute for either of the required field house exam. This course prepared students for the required field house exam.