Comments on: UL and Intertek Partner With Homebuilders in Energy Rating Program

By: Jim Bailey

Jim Bailey — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 02:58:20 +0000

Allison,
Allison,
There are questions concerning type a, b, or c inspectors.
As I understand this an individual inspector is not permitted to inspect any homes in which they have performed any work other than the energy inspection. With that said why is there even a b & c type.
I see this as an issue for many hvac contractors who also do compliance and energy ratings for builders they work with.
Your input for clarity on this will be appreciated greatly.
Jim

By: abailes

abailes — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 11:30:58 +0000

In reply to Paul Maass. Paul, sorry about that. I

Paul, sorry about that. I believe the FHBA is just about to make the announcement and open the SEBC session for registration. I'll be one of the instructors, so if you sign up, I'll see you there.

By: Paul Maass

Paul Maass — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 01:42:14 +0000

In reply to abailes. Allison, having trouble
Allison, having trouble finding more info about how a HERS Rater applies for this. Link on the SEBC page for your session comes back with a 404 error

By: Piet Opperman

Piet Opperman — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 16:48:17 +0000

The situation is actually a
The situation is actually a little more complicated than that. This is Florida, after all. EnergyGauge is the only software that is certified for code compliance, both at permitting and for “as-built”. As from about a year ago, you can also use an ERI score to demonstrate compliance, but they have set the bar so high that very few will take advantage of this path. RESNET’s HERS rating is the only ERI scoring mechanism that will be acceptable (as far as I know). The HERS rating can be calculated using REM/RATE or EnergyGauge, but most people use EnergyGauge because then they can also do the compliance stuff.
Now things become even more complicated. Florida has voted to use their own Code at the base from now on, and to incorporate ICC Code as appropriate. So, we can project that over time, Florida’s code will diverge from ICC, and the method of calculating HERS will also become less compliant with Florida code.
In the meantime, Florida’s HERS raters have been fomenting a little rebellion against RESNET. The chief issue is the ongoing demands from RESNET to extract money from raters on the pretext of improving their knowledge through childish and irrelevant simulation software, which doesn’t even work properly to begin with, but requires hours of practise in order to become proficient at just the mechanics of using the software. Their rebellion (of which I am ashamed to say I am part) is neatly explained in their online petition to RESNET, here: https://www.change.org/p/steve-baden-stop-the-resnet-3d-practical-test
Speaking for myself, I am fed up with RESNET, but tied to them, because all my other work relies on HERS ratings. Energy Star, GGBC certification to name but two. If an alternative to HERS arises, count me in, I will be first in line.
Some rigour and QA on Leak Free Duct Tests and Infiltration (Blower Door) tests will also be welcome. At the moment there are a number of shady operators who write out LFDC certificates in their pajamas, because nobody checks and nobody cares.
End of rant. Apologies to all whom I might have offended.

By: abailes

abailes — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 14:11:10 +0000

In reply to Curt Kinder. Yes, Curt, this program gives

Yes, Curt, this program gives builders a choice. They can go through FSEC or they can go through FHBA. Currently, the only software available to do this in Florida is FSEC's Energy Gauge. They're with other rating software companies to add the capability to do Florida certifications, so stay tuned.

I kinda thought I might see you commenting here today. Guess I'll probably see you at SEBC, too.

By: Curt Kinder

Curt Kinder — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 13:58:03 +0000

As an HVAC contractor that
As an HVAC contractor that routinely assists home builders navigate Florida's present Byzantine energy code I have one big question: Will this partnership break the effective monopoly now held by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) on Florida energy conservation permitting? To my knowledge, FSEC owns the sole performance path software, and the program is a kludgey nightmare