From the Desk of RESNET Executive Director Steve Baden August 24, 2020 For the safety of RESNET professionals and the viability of the HERS® Industry during this national emergency, RESNET adopted Emergency Interim Amendment 48i on April 20, 2020. The interim amendment provided 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 the use of default values in lieu of conducting airtightness tests for dwelling unit enclosures and duct systems as well as for measuring the 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. RESNET’s procedures for MINHERS® allows only a 120-day life of an interim amendment prior to the requirement of undergoing the formal standard amendment public review and comment process. Initially, it was planned that the protocols would only be needed for the temporary 120-day period but two things have driven the need to extend the provisions. First, the COVID-19 pandemic has not subsided and a number of states are experiencing a spike in cases. Second, a number of Rating Providers and HERS® rating companies are relying on the protocols to keep their employees safe. In a recent survey of Rating Providers and HERS® Raters, 19% of respondents reported that they rely on the protocols. After undergoing the RESNET standards amendment public review and comment, the interim amendment was extended to January 1, 2021 To view the newly adopted amendment go to Addendum 47f – Duct Leakage Test Exception
