Rating Providers and HERS® Raters: As part of the RESNET emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic national emergency, RESNET adopted a voluntary temporary protocol to allow certified RESNET HERS® Raters and Rating Field Inspectors to use default values for airtightness and duct leakage testing for HERS® Ratings. To implement this protocol RESNET adopted an emergency interim standard amendment, Addendum 48i. Addendum 48i provides Rating Providers, HERS® Raters and RFIs a table of default values that account for the energy impact of building enclosure and air distribution systems leakage to be used in calculating ratings when the Standard ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 tests are not conducted. This interim amendment is in effect for a period of 120 days beginning on April 20, 2020, but may be revisited by RESNET as necessary in light of developments with the COVID-19 pandemic. It will take a full RESNET standard amendment along with the public review and comment process to extend this period. Prior to a decision, RESNET staff will need to understand the use and effectiveness of this option. Please take the short three question survey by clicking on https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/defaulttesting by Monday July 6, 2020.
