I just completed training to become a HERS rater, I’ll talk a little more about HERS and RESNET in a future post, what I want to talk about in this short post is the study guide that was used to complement my training.
I own the 4th addition of this book, which was published in 2004. The 6th addition has been available since 2012 and can be found at several retailers. This is the third training I’ve taken where Residential Energy was used as the textbook, the first was in 2009, Residential Energy Auditor training I took through the Dunwoody College of Technology, my first deep dive into energy auditing and building science. The second was in 2010 through Building Performance Institute (BPI) were I received a Building Analyst certification. Now in 2021, completing the Home Energy Rating System training to become a HERS rater. That should say something about how much information is packed into this book.
The book reads like a typical textbook. It starts with the basic principles needed for an understanding of building science, things like the laws of thermodynamics, heat flow, and how energy works with the building, then gets into more of the specifics like air leakage, insulation, windows and doors, heating and cooling systems, lighting and appliances and water heating. The last section covers health and safety in the home. That’s a lot of important information about building science and how systems in a home work.
Whether you’re just starting in the construction industry, a homeowner that want a better understanding of your home, or are a seasoned building contractor that wants to learn more about building science, Residential Energy is a great resource!