Home / HERS Modeler Certification for REM/Rate and/or Ekotrope

HERS Modeler Certification for REM/Rate and/or Ekotrope

Course Details

Cost: $545.00 | CEUs: 18 RESNET36 ESC | Sign me up!

IT'S YOUR CHOICE: You can choose to be certified in the REM/Rate software, or the Ekotrope software, or both in this course.  It is built for HERS Modelers using either one or both of these tools.

ARE YOU A HERS RATER?  Brush up on your modeling skills and earn 18 CEUs at the same time!  This course has been approved as a CEU course by RESNET.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the need to keep the final exam model details confidential, the final exam for HERS Modeler must be completed in person in front of a RESNET Certified Instructor or an approved Proctor.  This may result in additional fees.  Those fees are not included as part of this course.  You will receive specific information about locating an approved proctor close to you as part of this course.

Being a HERS Modeler is much, much more than data entry.  The ability to generate an accurate energy model is one of the most difficult and critical responsibilities of a HERS Rating.  This course provides information about home energy ratings, but also about the energy and construction considerations that must be made when developing an energy model.  Students can expect to learn construction math and building science as well as obtain a working knowledge of where the model data comes from and why it is important.  An understanding of what data are gathered in the field, what to expect from that field data gathering, and how to turn that data into modeling information and enter it into HERS Modeling tools is all included in this training.
Module 1 Learning through an EnergySmart Institute Online, On-Demand training course
This module will explain the components of a training class from the EnergySmart Institute and provide you a tour of your learning environment. You will also meet your instructor for this course.
Unit 1 About EnergySmart Institute Training - How to navigate your course
Unit 2 Meet your Instructor - HERS Modeler
Module 2 Introduction to Home Energy Ratings
In this module we will cover the following; a brief history of the Residential Energy Services Network, RESNET, an introduction to the Home Energy (HERS) Rating Standards and Process.
Unit 1 Introduction to Home Energy Ratings - Course Materials
Unit 2 Home Energy Rating Systems and the Energy Index
Unit 3 RESNET Structure and Organization
Unit 4 HERS and The Energy Index Quiz
Unit 5 Residential Energy Use
Unit 6 Residential Energy Use Quiz
Unit 7 Energy Rating vs. Energy Audit
Unit 8 Energy Rating vs Energy Audit Quiz
Module 3 Energy Fundamentals
This module covers the definition of energy, energy terms, and the language of energy, the laws of thermodynamics, and the concepts of heat flow air flow, moisture flow and human comfort.
Unit 1 Energy Fundamentals - Course Materials
Unit 2 What is Energy?
Unit 3 What is Energy Quiz
Unit 4 The Language of Energy
Unit 5 The Language of Energy Quiz
Unit 6 HERS Modeler Quiz Energy Fundamentals
Module 4 Construction Primer
Construction basics and building components are covered in this module, as well as a brief history of home construction, reading construction plans, the components that make up the building shell and alternative building materials and techniques.
Unit 1 Construction Primer - Course Materials
Unit 2 Ceilings and Attics
Unit 3 Ceilings and Attics Quiz
Unit 4 Anatomy of a Stud Frame Wall
Unit 5 Walls and Floors
Unit 6 Walls and Floors Quiz
Unit 7 Windows and Doors
Unit 8 Windows and Doors Quiz
Unit 9 Foundations
Unit 10 Slabs Slab Insulation and Capillary Action
Unit 11 Foundations Quiz
Unit 12 Reading Construction Plans
Unit 13 Reading Construction Plans Quiz
Unit 14 HERS Modeler Certification Quiz - Construction Primer
Module 5 Construction Math
Area and volume calculations, perimeter measurements, roof angles and variations and how to calculate those odd architectural features are all covered in this module. We'll dust off and revisit some math, geometry and algebra skills in this module!
Unit 1 Construction Math - Course Materials
Unit 2 Construction Math - Introduction
Unit 3 Linear Feet
Unit 4 Linear Measurements and Calculations Quiz
Unit 5 Area
Unit 6 Area Calculations Quiz
Unit 7 Volume
Unit 8 Volume Calculations Quiz
Unit 9 Special Case Measurements
Unit 10 Special Case Measurements and Calculations Quiz
Unit 11 HERS Modeler Certification Quiz - Construction Math
Module 6 Building Science and the Building Envelope
This module explores heating and cooling load calculations, degree days, R-Value, U-Value, K-Value, heat loss, and climate zone impacts.
Unit 1 Building Science and the Building Envelope - Course Materials
Unit 2 The Building Envelope (Shell) Terminology and History
Unit 3 Building Envelope Terminology and History Quiz
Unit 4 The Building Shell Heat Loss and Heat Gain
Unit 5 The Building Shell Assembly Calculations
Unit 6 Building Envelope Assembly Heat Flow Quiz
Unit 7 Climate Zone Impacts on Construction Decisions
Unit 8 Climate Zone Quiz
Module 7 Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality or IAQ refers to the quality of the air we are breathing when we are indoors.   This module will teach you about indoor air quality, the things that lead to poor indoor air quality and what we can do to improve our IAQ. You will also learn about the standards that provide the requirements for mechanical ventilation sizing and air flow testing.

Unit 1 Introduction to Indoor Air Quality
Unit 2 Indoor Air Quality Quiz
Unit 3 Mechanical Ventilation Course Materials
Unit 4 Ventilation Requirements
Unit 5 Ventilation Requirements Quiz
Unit 6 Types of Mechanical Ventilation
Unit 7 Types of Mechanical Ventilation Quiz
Module 8 Air Distribution Systems and Duct Leakage
This module focuses on the air distribution system and how it impacts efficiency, safety and building durability.  Tools and methods for measuring duct leakage and duct leakage calculations will be covered.
Unit 1 The Conditioned Air Distribution System
Unit 2 The Conditioned Air Distribution System Quiz
Unit 3 Duct Leakage Testing
Unit 4 Duct Leakage Testing Quiz
Module 9 Air Infiltration and Exfiltration
Measuring and diagnosing air leakage of the building shell is the focus of this module.  Tools, methods, and calculations will be discussed as well as pressure influences and pressure diagnostics.
Unit 1 The Air Barrier
Unit 2 Air Barrier Quiz
Unit 3 Problem Areas in the Building Envelope
Unit 4 Air Infiltration Testing and Diagnostics
Unit 5 Air Infiltration Testing and Diagnostics Quiz
Unit 6 Infiltration Calculations
Unit 7 Infiltration Calculations Quiz
Module 10 The HERS Rating
This module covers the minimum rated features of a home in detail and explains the steps involved in the performance of a HERS Rating.
Unit 1 The HERS Rating: Study Materials
Unit 2 Consistency and the HERS Rating Process
Unit 3 HERS Rater Standards Quiz
Unit 4 Procedures for Minimum Rated Features
Unit 5 Procedures for Minimum Rated Features Quiz
Unit 6 General Project Information
Unit 7 General Project Information Quiz
Module 11 Floor and Foundation Assembly Evaluation Protocols

Every building sits on a foundation of some type. Learn the minimum rated features and data you need to gather that relate specifically to each type of floor or foundation. You will also understand the minimum rated features around area and volume calculations that create the basis of the rated unit calculations.

Unit 1 HERS Rating Volume and Area Calculations
Unit 2 HERS Rating Volumes and Area Quiz
Unit 3 Foundation Basement Walls
Unit 4 Basement Walls Quiz
Unit 5 Crawl Space Walls
Unit 6 Crawl Space Walls Quiz
Unit 7 Slab Floors
Unit 8 Slab Floors Quiz
Unit 9 Frame Floor
Unit 10 Frame Floors Quiz
Module 12 Above Grade Wall Assembly Evaluation Protocols

Envelope wall energy performance varies based on construction, materials, insulation, location, even exterior color.  This module covers the minimum rated feature of Walls Assembly and the data that must be collected about the structure's envelope walls.

Unit 1 Wall Assembly
Unit 2 Wall Assembly Quiz
Module 13 Roof and Ceiling Assembly Evaluation Protocols

There are several types of ceiling assemblies and the impact to energy usage varies with the specific construction details of each type.  The ceiling's relationship to the roof is also important and there is quite a bit of information that must be gathered about both ceilings and roofs.  This module explores those data points.

Unit 1 Roof and Ceiling Assembly
Unit 2 Roof and Ceiling Assembly Quiz
Module 14 Rim and Band Joist Assembly Evaluation Protocols

This module explores rim and band joist evaluation protocols, including what to do when the rim or band area cannot be inspected by the HERS Rater or RFI.

Unit 1 Rim and Band Joist Assembly
Unit 2 Rim and Band Joist Quiz
Module 15 Fenestration Assembly Evaluation Protocols

Fenestrations are the holes we make in our walls and ceilings for windows, doors and skylights.  This module covers the evaluation and data collection protocols for each of these.

Unit 1 Door Modeling and Data Collection
Unit 2 Door Modeling Quiz
Unit 3 Window Modeling and Data Collection
Unit 4 Window Modeling Quiz
Unit 5 Skylight Modeling and Data Collection
Unit 6 Skylight Modeling Quiz
Module 16 Passive Solar Sun Room Modeling Protocols

Passive Solar Sun Rooms provide energy savings to a structure by reducing heating, cooling, and lighting energy needs.  This module explains the data collection and modeling protocols for such a structure.

Unit 1 Passive Solar Sun Rooms
Unit 2 Sun Room Data Quiz
Module 17 Air Leakage Evaluation

One of the tests performed during a Home Energy Rating is a test to determine the airtightness of the building or unit envelope.  This module explains how this test is performed and the resulting data you can expect to receive from it.

Unit 1 Air Leakage Terminology and Data Gathering
Unit 2 Air Leakage Terminology and Data Gathering Quiz
Unit 3 Airtightness Testing Introduction
Unit 4 Single-Family One-Point Depressurization Airtightness Test
Unit 5 Multi-Family Airtightness Testing
Unit 6 Modeling the Results of an Air Leakage Test
Unit 7 Airtightness Test Result Modeling Quiz
Module 18 Distribution System Evaluation Protocols

A duct leakage test is performed during a Home Energy Rating to determine air leakage from the heating and cooling distribution system or ductwork.  Even if there are no ducts, there is still data gathering that must be completed. This module explains the data gathering involved and the protocols involved to model information from this test.

Unit 1 Distribution System Data Gathering
Unit 2 Distribution System Data Gathering Quiz
Unit 3 Performing the Total Duct Leakage Test
Unit 4 Performing the Duct Leakage to Outside Test
Unit 5 Distribution System Information from Plans and Field
Unit 6 Distribution System Information Quiz
Module 19 Mechanical Equipment Inspection Protocols and Data Gathering

This module covers the minimum rated features around heating and cooling equipment, water heating equipment, and mechanical ventilation equipment.  It includes what the inspection protocols are and what information is required to be gathered regarding this equipment.

Unit 1 Heating and Cooling Equipment Inspection Protocols and Data Gathering
Unit 2 Heating and Cooling Equipment Inspection Protocols and Data Gathering Quiz
Unit 3 Control Systems Data Gathering
Unit 4 Control Systems Data Gathering Quiz
Unit 5 Domestic Water Heating Equipment Data Gathering Protocols
Unit 6 Water Conservation and Water Energy Conservation Equipment Data Gathering
Unit 7 Water Heating Equipment and Conservation Quiz
Unit 8 Whole House Mechanical Ventilation Systems Evaluation and Inspection
Unit 9 Mechanical Ventilation Systems Quiz
Module 20 Appliance Data Gathering

Appliances can use a lot of energy!  This module defines the data that must be gathered for the refrigerators, freezers, dishwasher, stove, oven, clothes washer, and clothes dryer.

Unit 1 Refrigerator Data Gathering
Unit 2 Dishwasher Data Gathering
Unit 3 Understanding Standards Updates
Unit 4 Range and Oven Data Gathering
Unit 5 Clothes Washer Data Gathering
Unit 6 Clothes Dryer Data Gathering
Unit 7 Appliance Data Gathering Quiz
Module 21 Light Fixture and Ceiling Fan Data Gathering

Lights can save energy or waste energy, they can add to the cooling load or reduce the heating load.  Ceiling fans may help reduce energy usage or increase it based on where in the country the home is located.  This module covers the data elements that must be gathered for lights and ceiling fans.

Unit 1 Light Fixture Data Gathering
Unit 2 Ceiling Fan Data Gathering
Unit 3 Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans Quiz
Module 22 Solar System Data Gathering

Solar systems have become increasingly common.  This module will take you through the various types of solar systems and the data that must be gathered for them.

Unit 1 Solar System Primer
Unit 2 Solar System and On-Site Power Production Data Gathering Protocols
Unit 3 Solar System and On-Site Power Production Quiz
Module 23 The Process of Energy Modeling
This module covers the software tools used by HERS Modelers, the software approval process, the rated home vs. the reference home and the HERS Index computation.
Unit 1 The Process of Energy Modeling
Unit 2 Utility Rates and Rate Structures
Unit 3 Mentored Energy Modeling for HERS Ratings
Module 24 Mentored Rating Number One

This module will mentor you through generating a full energy model for our first project. We will work step-by-step through an entire modeling session from plan review and equipment efficiency research through actual modeling in the rating software tool.

Unit 1 Mentored Rating One: Sheboygan Falls, WI
Unit 2 Mentored Rating One: REM/Rate Data Entry
Unit 3 Mentored Rating One: Ekotrope Data Entry
Unit 4 Mentored Rating One: Model Differences and Software Consistency
Unit 5 Submit Mentored Rating One
Module 25 Mentored Rating Number Two

This module will mentor you through your second project and verify your energy modeling work.

Unit 1 Mentored Rating Two: Richfield MN
Unit 2 Mentored Rating Two: REM/Rate Model Upload
Unit 3 Mentored Rating Two: Ekotrope Model Upload
Unit 4 Submit Mentored Rating Two - Initial Attempt
Unit 5 Mentored Rating Two: Plan and Data Review
Unit 6 Mentored Rating Two: REM/Rate Model Comparison
Unit 7 Mentored Rating Two: Ekotrope Model Comparison
Unit 8 Mentored Rating Two: Model Differences and Software Consistency
Unit 9 Submit Mentored Rating Two - Final
Module 26 Mentored Rating Number Three

This module will mentor you through generating a full energy model for our third project.

Unit 1 Mentored Rating Three: Bridgeport CT
Unit 2 Mentored Rating Three: REM/Rate Model Upload
Unit 3 Mentored Rating Three: Ekotrope Model Upload
Unit 4 Submit Mentored Rating Three - Initial Attempt
Unit 5 Mentored Rating Three: Plan and Data Review
Unit 6 Mentored Rating Three: Final REM/Rate Model
Unit 7 Mentored Rating Three: Final Ekotrope Model
Unit 8 Mentored Rating Three: Model Differences and Software Consistency
Unit 9 Submit Mentored Rating Three - Final
Module 27 Sampling HERS Ratings
Sampling of HERS Ratings is allowed for several programs; however, the process and concepts become confusing very quickly.  This module will provide an introduction to the RESNET Sampling Protocols and Procedures.  Raters interested in performing Sampled HERS Ratings and Modelers who will be working on Sampled HERS Rating projects must belong to a RESNET Accredited Sampling Provider.
Unit 1 Introduction: Sampling Protocols
Unit 2 Sampling Materials
Unit 3 Sampling Webinar Video
Unit 4 Sampling Protocols Quiz
Module 28 HERS Rating Reports
This module will cover the RESNET minimum reporting requirements, financial improvement analysis, reporting projected and confirmed ratings, and reporting for program specific energy ratings such as Energy Codes and Federal Energy Tax Credits.  Generating these reports through the REM/Rate software will be demonstrated.
Unit 1 HERS Rating Reports
Unit 2 Reporting Quiz
Unit 3 Energy Code Compliance Reporting
Unit 4 Energy Code Compliance Reporting Quiz
Unit 5 Federal Tax Credit and Other Programs
Module 29 Preparing for the RESNET HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation
There is one more set of plans that must be modeled and evaluated to complete the HERS Modeler Certification.  This module provides information about how to schedule this proctored modeling session.
Unit 1 Navigating the Standards
Unit 2 Next Steps
Unit 3 End of the Road (For Now)

 

 

Top
s2Member®