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Modeling Air Source Heat Pumps
BER realizes that there has been some confusion around modeling air source heat pumps (ASHP). In a recent webinar, MassSave made clarifications as to the correct method of modeling this equipment. In this article, we recap those clarifications. Why isn’t COP a Supported Method? A common mistake made when modeling ASHP is converting heating seasonal…
Read MoreLet’s Talk Insurance for HERS Raters
Incorrect insurance classification may be costing your HERS Rating business money. Checking your SIC Code with your insurance agent could potentially save your business a lot of money. Insurance agents use Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes to classify a business into a specific industry and risk category. SIC Codes are used for ALL categories of…
Read More3.1 Homes/1.1 MFNC Transition Update
The EPA is continuing to review and evaluate comments received on the proposed Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) National Version 3.2 and Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) National Version 1.2 program requirements, as well as the proposed new Next Generation program. However, in the interest of providing partners with the maximum amount of time to prepare for the…
Read More3 Pathways to ENERGY STAR MFNC
We know the 3 pathways to ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction can be confusing, so as the Pro’s Pro, we are breaking it down. The BER Knowledge Base, accessible through the BER Portal, has more information on the 3 pathways. You can also check out this guide provided by ENERGY STAR. Work with BER as…
Read MoreInsulation Grading: Grade 1, Grade 2, or Somewhere In Between?
An article by Rural Builder, shared in a recent RESNET’s newsletter, offered advice to builders on how to achieve a Grade I insulation. The article used the second picture below as an example of Grade I. However, while it’s not that hard to find a couple square feet of insulation to exemplify Grade I out…
Read MoreUpdate on ACCA 310
Update on ACCA 310: HVAC Grading and What You Need to Know You may have heard a lot of news lately about ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Standard 310. BER would like to give you the latest news on this new standard and what to expect in the near future.
Read MoreThe Future of HVAC is Available Now
Pop-quiz, BER Raters: Why is 12,000 btu/hr of cooling capacity referred to as a “ton” of cooling? Answer: Prior to the age of forced-air, refrigerant/compressor air conditioning technology, buildings were cooled with fans blowing over blocks of ice. Engineers determined that 12kbtu/hr was the expected evaporative cooling over one ton of ice harvested from cold…
Read MoreThe Importance of Right-Sizing HVAC Equipment
Imagine spending your first summer in a newly built, super-efficient, lakeside dream-house and found out that it was unable to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. That is exactly what happened with one house in the northern Midwest that BER happened to be performing a field quality assurance review on! The owners spared no expense on…
Read MoreIECC/HERS Affiliate Training
BER is proud to announce a new training opportunity: IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist. This is the first comprehensive code training available. While it is geared towards preparing HERS Raters for the Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner exam, this deep dive into the content of the International Energy Conservation Code is a great opportunity for anyone who wishes…
Read MoreLet’s Discuss: Remote QA & Mentoring
Here we are, mid-summer and where is my annual Quality Assurance review? Many of you may indeed be asking that same question. So, I want to take this opportunity to share with all of you some of the new things BER is doing to get your field QA completed. As you may or may not…
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