Addendum 48f authorizes an extension of the exception for testing first authorized by interim Addendum 48i and is intended to apply only during the emergency declared for the COVID-19 Pandemic. It adds an exception to the requirements of Standard ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 in Section 303 of the MINHERS® standards and applies only to the determination of RESNET Home Energy Rating System, (HERS), ratings. The exception allows use of default values in lieu of conducting air tightness tests for dwelling unit enclosures and duct systems as well as for measuring airflow of mechanical ventilation systems in accordance with Standard ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380. Note that programs other than the RESNET HERS® that adopt Standard ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 for energy ratings of homes may not recognize this test exception. Standard Development Committee 300 approved interim Addendum 48i in April 2020 to respond quickly to the pandemic and with the intent that its usefulness would be evaluated within three months. The evaluation determined the exception created by the addendum was beneficial in some markets and should continue to be available to raters until the pandemic subsided. The proceeding to adopt a final version of the addendum was then initiated July. The first draft, PDS-01, of the final addendum was released for public comment and has been revised as shown in draft PDS-02 to clarify the exception expires with the emergency declaration for the COVID-19 pandemic. Draft PDS-02 is now released for comment on this change. To review the draft Addendum click on Draft PDS-02 MINHERS® Addendum 48f, COVID-19 Pandemic Exception for Onsite Airtightness Tests To submit your comments click on RESNET Amendment Comment Online Form for Draft PDS-02 MINHERS® Addendum 48f Comments are posted real time and you will be able to review comments that were submitted by clicking on Comments Submitted on Draft PDS-02 MINHERS® Addendum 48f Comments will be accepted only on the changes indicated by the strike/underline text in red print in draft PDS-02. The public comment period will be open for 30 days beginning October 14, 2020 and ending November 12, 2020. After the comment period, RESNET Standard Development Committee 300 will consider and document each of the comments submitted and make appropriate changes. Any substantive changes to draft PDS-02 will be provided to the public for comment. When there are no more substantive changes the proposed final amendment will be submitted to the RESNET Standard Management Board for final approval.
