If you have been made more aware of the terms RESNET and BPI and wondered what the difference is, we are here to help. They both have to do with how well your home uses energy.
In the simplest of explanations, while both seem to do the same thing, one does an analysis, the other rates. There isn’t much distinction between these either, but there are slight differences.
RESNET vs BPI
People who work under the title of either one of these acts as a certified home energy auditor. The main difference is the testing they do and what type of home they do it in.
BPI
The BPI, or Building Performance Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to standardizing procedures for home energy professionals. People who work rely on a network of affiliated organizations, to provide training on the BPI Technical Standards and to administer the corresponding certification exams.
That way, they get input from people who are in the know. They get their training from the very people who set the standards for energy use in the home.
These people work in the area of energy every day. They know and see every day where things are working well and where they need to be improved. BPI-certified energy auditors evaluate the overall conditions of a home. They also can identify the problems where your energy is being wasted at the source.
They have tools to test and assess various areas of your home, like ducts, windows, and your entire HVAC system. People you already depend on may be BPI certified, like insulation installers, your HVAC specialist, or even your general contractor.
RESNET
Just like the BPI-certified professionals, Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) is also a nonprofit organization. Someone with RESNET certification can perform the HERS rating test.
Once again, the RESNET organization relies on the people who work in the industry every day. They take all the information and use it to make new homes much more energy efficient.
These tests are performed on new houses or a house that has been stripped down to its foundation for a full renovation. The RESNET offers a rating on how well your home uses energy by performing an audit.
They can run some diagnostic tests and then give the home a rating. A low rating is ideal, and a higher rating will come with recommendations for some upgrades or improvements.
RESNET vs BPI
Both of these organizations have the same principles at heart. They are both concerned with the principles of building science, energy loss and heat flow in a home. Both review standard practices for energy auditors and home performance contractors.
They both conduct tests on the home. These can be done by a contractor, an HVAC specialist, or an energy auditor. However, they don’t each conduct the same tests.
RESNET focuses on new residential homes and BPI deals with existing homes. RESNET does not conduct combustion safety tests and BPI does not conduct duct testing.
Additionally, BPI has multiple levels and specialties of certification, whereas, RESNET experts only conduct the HERS rating for new homes.
If you would like to know more about BPI or RESNET assessments, why not give us a call here at Live Smart Construction. As builders and energy-efficient specialists, we know homes inside and out.
Even before you consider adding a smart home system or installing solar panels to offset your energy bills, it’s important to get a complete picture of your home’s efficiency. Small improvements and fixes can make a major difference. Contact us today.