Which building features might a HERS rater inspect for airflow?

A HERS rater focuses on identifying areas where air can enter or escape a building, which significantly impacts its energy efficiency. Inspecting windows, doors, and other potential leak points is crucial because these areas are common sources of air infiltration or exfiltration. If there are gaps, cracks, or improper sealing in these locations, conditioned air can be lost, leading to increased energy consumption for heating and cooling.

Additionally, addressing air leaks can enhance indoor comfort by reducing drafts and improving overall indoor air quality. Therefore, a thorough inspection of windows, doors, and similar points of air leakage is essential for assessing a building's performance in terms of energy use and efficiency improvements. This focus directly relates to the goals of the HERS rating system, which seeks to promote energy-efficient practices in residential construction.