What is a Rating Field Inspector (RFI)? An individual certified by a Rating Quality Assurance Provider to conduct field inspections for home energy ratings. A Rating Field Inspector (RFI), under the direct supervision of a certified Home Energy Rater, may conduct the inspections and necessary basic performance tests (air tightness and duct leakage) to produce a home energy rating. This certification requires the ability to identify and quantify building components and systems. What is a HERS® Rating? A home energy rating involves an analysis of a home’s construction plans and onsite inspections. Based on the home’s plans, the Home Energy Rater uses an energy efficiency software package to perform an energy analysis of the home’s design. This analysis yields a projected, pre-construction HERS® Index. Upon completion of the plan review, the rater will work with the builder to identify the energy efficiency improvements needed to ensure the house will meet ENERGY STAR performance guidelines. The rater then conducts onsite inspections, typically including a blower door test (to test the leakiness of the house) and a duct test (to test the leakiness of the ducts). Results of these tests, along with inputs derived from the plan review, are used to generate the HERS® Index score for the home Becoming Rating Field Inspector (RFI) Interested in becoming an Rating Field Inspector? Get more information on the requirements and steps to get certified. BECOME AN RFI
