National Rater Test/Resnet

[Darren Spencer]

Just make sure the materials your about to buy are not also included in the training program also.

[Russell Caldwell]

I am interested in the rater training but do not want to invest if there is not market. Who can tell me the potential in this area. I am located in central Arkansas, and we are very slow to practice new trends.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by rcaldwell

I am interested in the rater training but do not want to invest if there is not market. Who can tell me the potential in this area. I am located in central Arkansas, and we are very slow to practice new trends.

Good question. Why do you need RESNET?
Are clients asking for a RESNET certificate?
Or is RESNET simply a good source of training in energy audits?

[rspermo]

Ben,

If you want to do energy audits in Austin one of the qualifications is to be a RESNET Energy Rater. If you want to do Energy Star ratings on new construction you need to be a RESNET Certified energy rater. RESNET and BPI have done a good job in "establishing themselves" as the "official" groups of energy rater certifiers. An energy audit (in most areas) can be sold by anyone that says they can do one. A home inspection (in some areas) can be sold by anyone that says they can do one. So what is wrong with a non profit group (RESNET) that certifies (does not train) energy raters.

[Jason Kaylor]

Originally Posted by rspermo

Ben,

If you want to do energy audits in Austin one of the qualifications is to be a RESNET Energy Rater. If you want to do Energy Star ratings on new construction you need to be a RESNET Certified energy rater. RESNET and BPI have done a good job in "establishing themselves" as the "official" groups of energy rater certifiers. An energy audit (in most areas) can be sold by anyone that says they can do one. A home inspection (in some areas) can be sold by anyone that says they can do one. So what is wrong with a non profit group (RESNET) that certifies (does not train) energy raters.

Actually Resnet and BPI both train and certify. I know of one facility that trains both Resnet and BPI at the same time, as well as training on the tools involved in an energy audit. Blower doors, duct blasters, infrared, etc.

As far as the work goes its out there in a big way. Call your local power company, local and state government etc. A little research goes a long way in that industry. We had a customer that bought a complete energy audit package from us. I did some leg work for him and got him the contact for Northeast Utilities in his state. And he now runs 14 energy auditing crews. So the work is there, ya just have to do some leg work and digging.

Jason Kaylor – JJ
VP of Sales
877/207-1244
AC Tool Supply
Fluke Thermal Imagers
FLIR Thermal Imagers
HotShot Hi-Rez Infrared Cameras
Fluke TiR1 Resources
FLIR B60 Resources
Retrotec Duct & Blower Door

[Ben J. Gromicko]

To do an energy audit as a RESNET certified professional, do you use a blower door? Is it required to use a blower door?

[David C. Macy]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

To do an energy audit as a RESNET certified professional, do you use a blower door? Is it required to use a blower door?

Yes and a duct blaster as well. Each one has a 125 page manual.
(I will be glad to use one in the class)

[Ben J. Gromicko]

We had one dontated to NACHI.TV, but I found that it took extensive training to operate a blower door effectively and correctly.

I've been told that blower doors are being evaluated by EPA, and the entire concept of using them is in question. It's possible to cause IAQ problems.

Have you heard of this concern about home inspectors using blower doors?

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by rspermo

Ben,

... what is wrong with a non profit group (RESNET) that certifies (does not train) energy raters.

Nothing.
It think very highly of RESNET. Superior organization.
Also our EPA is doing great with informing everyone about energy savings.

I'm wondering how home inspectors can get into "energy audits" without the (some have said to me) "burdensome requirements and costs" of becoming a certified energy auditor.

I want InterNACHI home inspectors (who may be experiencing challenges) to consider the financial opportunities of performing "energy audits."

There's no one better qualified to perform an "energy inspection" than an InterNACHI inspector.

Agree?

[Jason Kaylor]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

We had one dontated to NACHI.TV, but I found that it took extensive training to operate a blower door effectively and correctly.

I've been told that blower doors are being evaluated by EPA, and the entire concept of using them is in question. It's possible to cause IAQ problems.

Have you heard of this concern about home inspectors using blower doors?

I am currently reading up on both BPI and Resnet procedures for using blower doors and duct blowers for energy audits. For Resnet they actually address the IAQ issue and recommend performing an IAQ audit as part of the actual energy audit. I am unclear if that is something that is required for either organizations energy audit.

As a footnote Resnet is adopting an infrared standard as part of an energy audit. I have commented on this already. I know the standards that were proposed for the camera minimum requirements but am very fuzzy on the actual infrared audit part of the energy audit.

Jason Kaylor – JJ
VP of Sales
877/207-1244
AC Tool Supply
Fluke Thermal Imagers
FLIR Thermal Imagers
HotShot Hi-Rez Infrared Cameras
Fluke TiR1 Resources
FLIR B60 Resources
Retrotec Duct & Blower Door

[mlehman]

Ben, Im taking the resnet energy raters class in Indianapolis the first week of april. Im already certified with cmc energy but this takes it to a new level. I work with new home builders alot, they are get request by clients on building green. Im a level 1 thermagragher and certified on a blower door but I want the RESNET training. Part of this class is blower door and duct blaster training. I ran into a HVAC guy on a home inspection the other day that wants to hook up after I do the class.