What type of testing is commonly used by HERS Raters to evaluate insulation effectiveness?

Thermal imaging is a widely accepted method for evaluating the effectiveness of insulation in a building. This technique employs infrared cameras to detect temperature variations on surfaces, which can indicate areas where insulation is insufficient or absent. When heat escapes through poorly insulated areas, thermal imaging allows the rater to visualize these thermal leaks, thereby identifying spots that may require upgrades or repairs.

The value of thermal imaging lies in its ability to provide a clear picture of where energy loss is occurring, facilitating more effective energy efficiency improvements. This aligns well with the goals of a HERS Rater, who aims to assess and promote better energy performance in homes.

Other types of testing, like moisture testing, blower door testing, and sound insulation testing, serve different purposes. Moisture testing focuses on assessing moisture levels that can affect building integrity and indoor air quality. Blower door testing, on the other hand, measures air leakage in a building's envelope to determine its airtightness, but it does not directly evaluate insulation’s thermal resistance. Sound insulation testing assesses acoustic performance rather than thermal efficiency. Therefore, thermal imaging specifically targets insulation effectiveness, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.