A Day in the Life of an RFI

• 2025-12-05 On Site at a Mid-Point Inspection
• 2025-12-05 Duct Blaster Set Up
• 2025-12-05 Duct Blaster Running
• Blower Door Testing by Fine Homebuilding
• Math Sampler - Rectangles, Triangles and Trapezoids found on Building Plans

Articles

• RESNET: How to Become an RFI
• RESNET: How to Become a HERS Modeler
• RESNET: How to Become a HERS Rater

Books

• The Northeast HERS Alliance HERS Rater Training and Reference Manual
• Residential Energy by John Krigger

Math - (What kind of math do I need to know?)

• Basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• Geometry- circumference and area of a rectangle, square, triangle or circle.
• Reading a tape measure.
• Converting inches into decimals (e.g. 9 in = .75 ft)
• Algebra- solving for missing components in a formula.

Videos

• Become a HERS Rater: Everything High School Students Need to Know About Entering this Growing Field
• How I Became a Rater - an Interview with Michael Rossi 

Vocabulary

• Blower Door: diagnostic equipment used to pressurize a home and test the envelope for air leakage
• CAZ: Combustion Safety Exam - RFI candidates must take it, so must Rater Candidates. (If an RFI passes it and then goes on to become a rater, they don't have to take it again.
• Duct Blaster: diagnostic equipment used to pressurize ductwork and test for air leakage
• HERS: Home Energy Rating System
• HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation: test taken by Modeler Candidates
• Manometer: handheld gauge used to measure air pressure
• Mentored Rating or Mentored Model: done under the supervision of an experienced Rater by RFI or Modeler Candidates to learn to gather data in the field or create computer models.
• NEHERS: Northeast Home Energy Rating System Alliance - a non-profit based in MA that runs trainings for RFIs, Modelers and HERS Raters.
• Practical Simulation Exam: one of three tests taken by HERS Rater Candidates.
• Probationary Rating: practice rating done by HERS Rater Candidates (5 required)
• Rater Exam:  one of three tests taken by HERS Rater Candidates.
• RESNET: Residential Energy Services Network (oversees the HERS Industry in the US)
• RFI: Rating Field Inspector