Skilled Labor Series: Decoding HERS, the Key to Home Energy Efficiency
Feb 1, 2024
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Roy Mittleider, Director of training for CalCERTS, discusses the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) in California. Topics include compliance rating, career paths, energy specifications, and technology in home energy efficiency auditing. They also explore the history and purpose of the HERS industry, certification process, and the potential benefits of technology in improving efficiency for HERS Raiders.
HERS raiders play a crucial role in verifying the energy efficiency of HVAC systems and conducting tests to ensure compliance with energy codes.
California's emphasis on energy efficiency in building codes has led to the adoption of tighter assemblies, increased insulation levels, and a focus on achieving net-zero energy homes.
Deep dives
The History and Purpose of Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS)
The podcast explores the development of the HERS industry in California, which was established in response to the energy crisis in the 1970s. The Warren Alquist Act was passed, granting authority to the California Energy Commission to develop energy efficiency standards and codes. HERS raiders are compliance raters who verify the energy efficiency of HVAC system installations and perform tests such as duct leakage and refrigerant charge. Additionally, HERS raiders assess the energy efficiency of existing homes by measuring various parameters and generating a home energy score based on a scale. The podcast also discusses the transition from using specific software to partnering with national HERS organizations like ResNet, which is bringing the home energy industry into the 21st century.
California's Role as a Pioneer in Energy Efficiency
California has been at the forefront of energy efficiency and building codes. The state regularly updates its energy codes to make buildings more efficient, leading to tighter assemblies and increased insulation levels. As a result, the certification process for compliance with California's energy code has become more stringent over the years. The goal is to reach net-zero energy homes, combining efficient building practices with the use of solar energy. The podcast highlights the importance of prioritizing insulation, air sealing, and weatherization in building design, as well as implementing mechanical ventilation to ensure healthier indoor environments.
The Implications of Home Energy Scoring and Rating Systems
The podcast discusses the potential for home energy scoring systems to become a standard practice when buying or selling a home. Similar to MPG stickers for cars, home energy scores would provide transparency on a home's energy efficiency, allowing buyers to consider it as an important factor during the home-buying process. The discussion highlights cities like Portland and Berkeley that already require home energy scores, and the potential benefits of such scores becoming widely available on real estate platforms. Technology, such as apps and software, can play a significant role in automating and streamlining the home energy rating process, allowing for easier data transfer, improved analysis, and increased efficiency.
Career Paths and Business Opportunities in Home Energy Auditing
The podcast explores the career paths and business opportunities available for individuals certified as HERS raiders. Graduates of HERS training programs can work for existing HERS rating firms or start their own home energy auditing businesses. Starting a business as a certified raider offers flexibility, freedom, and potential for growth. The discussion highlights success stories of individuals who have transitioned from unrelated fields to becoming successful HERS raiders and business owners. The importance of ongoing training, acquiring multiple certifications, and staying up to date with changes in energy codes and requirements is also emphasized.
This episode is part of our Skilled Labor Series hosted by MCJ partner, Yin Lu. This series is focused on amplifying the voices of folks from the skilled labor workforce, including electricians, farmers, ranchers, HVAC installers, and others who are on the front lines of rewiring our infrastructure.
Roy Mittleider is the director of training for CalCERTS. CalCERTS is one of California's Home Energy Rating System providers (or HERS), which is an acronym we use a lot in this episode. They operate in the state under the conditional approval of the California Energy Commission, or the CEC. CalCERTS provides specialized HERS training and certification, performs quality assurance on all HERS Raters they certify, and maintains an online data registry of permits and records of energy efficiency work for each home in California.
In this episode, we deep dive into what a HERS rater does, who they work with, what their training is like, and what career paths they can take. We also talk about different types of energy specifications a structure needs to meet in order to be up to the latest energy code. And we end with talking about the role that technology can play in optimizing the workflow in the home energy efficiency auditing space.
In this episode, we cover:
Introduction to CalCERTS and the Home Energy Rating System (HERS)
History of the HERS industry and its development in California
Compliance rating and verification process for existing homes and new construction
Energy specifications and standards for buildings in California
The importance of air sealing and insulation in home energy efficiency
The role of technology in optimizing workflow and improving efficiency in home energy efficiency auditing
Career paths and opportunities for HERS raters
Importance of data registry and record-keeping for energy efficiency work in California
Potential for technology to improve data transfer, streamline paperwork, and enhance the HERS rating process
Episode recorded on Aug 17, 2023 (Published on Nov 2, 2023)
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