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Suggested Equipment List for HERS Raters

© Copyright CalCERTS, Inc. 2019

The following is a general list of equipment used by HERS Raters to perform field verification and diagnostic testing. Depending on the type of verification's being performed, a Rater may need some or all of the items listed below.  The price estimates below were derived from searching the internet. 

Before purchasing any equipment, always confirm that it meets the requirements of the current Residential Appendix RA3. Excerpts of these requirements are included at the end of this document. For Airflow Measurement equipment, confirm that the device selected is on the CEC approved list. The CEC Airflow Apparatus list is located here. Equipment models listed below meet the applicable requirements.

 

Duct Tester Kit: $2000 - $3300

  • TEC, Minneapolis Duct Blaster System w/DG-700 Manometer
  • TEC, Minneapolis Duct Blaster System w/DG-1000 Manometer
  • Retrotec, 341 system w/DM32 Manometer
  • Retrotec, 342 system w/DM32 Manometer with Wi-Fi

 

Sealing of Supplies and Returns for Duct Testing:
NOTE: Grill mask, painters tape, Press’n Seal can be used for Duct Test sealing. For additional speed and convenience, Duc Blocs and Vent Cap System are also recommended.

 

Blower Door Kit: $1800 - $3300

  • TEC, Minneapolis Blower Door System with no Manometer (use manometer from duct tester kit)
  • TEC, Minneapolis Blower Door System w/DG-700
  • TEC, Minneapolis Blower Door System w/DG-1000
  • Retrotec, 5101 with no Manometer (use manometer from duct tester kit)
  • Retrotec, 5101 w/DM-32 Manometer
  • Retrotec, 5102 Blower Door w/DM32 Touchscreen Manometer w/Wi-Fi

 

Fog Machine: $100 - $500

  • Chauvet, H1100 or H1301 w/wireless remote
  • American DJ, VF1000 or VF1600 w/wireless remote

NOTE: These are just a couple of examples, there are many brands and models available.We recommend a 700-1500 watts machine with a wireless remote.

 

AIRFLOW MEASUREMENT

NOTE: Before purchase, confirm that the airflow device selected is on the CEC approved list at:

http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/equipment_cert/ama_fas/index.html

 

Traditional Flow Capture Hood: $1750 - $3525

  • Kanomax, 6710 Version 2: Measurement range (23-2500 CFM)
  • Kanomax, 6715 TABmaster: Measurement range (23-2530 CFM)
  • Testo, 420: Measurement range (25-2300 CFM)
  • TSI, Accubalance 8371, 8372, 8373: Measurement range (30-2,000 cfm) Discontinued

 Additional Hood: $280 - $400

Traditional Flow Capture Hoods typically come standard with a 2ft x2ft hood. Kanomax also offers a 2x3 hood that we have found covers the majority of return grills, while still being easy to maneuver with through doorways and narrow hallways. Other sizes are available for most hoods including 1x4, 2x4 and 3x3.

 

Flow Grid: $800 - $900

  • TEC, Trueflow Air Handler Flow Meter (1-5 ton, 365-2100 CFM)

NOTE: Manometer not included; Flow Grid works with either TEC or Retrotec manometers

 

Plenum Pressure Matching:

Any of the duct testing systems listed above can be used to determine Airflow using the Plenum Pressure Matching Method

 

Powered Flow Capture Hood: $3000 - $3500

  • ACIN, Powered Capture Hood - FlowFinder Mk2 FF100: Measurement range (6-500 CFM)
  • TEC, Powered Capture Hood - FlowBlaster: Measurement range (10-300 CFM) Discontinued

NOTE: Powered flow capture hoods generally have a lower range (CFM) and are not suitable for measuring System Airflow Rate. They would be adequate for IAQ/MV.

 

PORTABLE WATT METER:

NOTE: It is recommended you carry both a plug-in and a clamp-on type watt meter. Before purchase, confirm that any device selected meet the tolerance requirements of RA3.3.1.3

All measurements of air handler Watt draws shall be made with true power measurement systems (i.e., sensor plus data acquisition system) having an accuracy of ± 2% of reading or ± 10 watts whichever is greater.

 Portable Watt Meters (plug-in): $30 - $150               

  • Watts Up Pro
  • Kill-A-Watt EZ or P3

 Portable Watt Meters (clamp-on): $175 - $400         

  • Amprobe, ACD-51NAV

 

REFRIGERANT CHARGE VERIFICATION:

 Digital Refrigerant Gauges: $300 - $1700

  • Testo 550 with 2 clamp-on probes and 60” 3 hose pack
  • Fieldpiece SMAN 360 with 2 clamp-on probes and 60” 3 hose pack
  • Fieldpiece SMAN 460 with 2 clamp-on probes and 60” 3 hose pack
  • Imperial iManifold wireless digital (used with App)
  • iManifold 900M w/ (2) 905M clamp probes and hose set (sold individually)
  • IConnect 900C w/ (1) 913-M Wireless Low Pressure Probe and (1) 914-M Wireless High Pressure Probe, plus (2) 905M clamp probes and hose set (sold individually)

NOTE: Additional tools required such as second set of hoses for R-22 refrigerant, multiple types of refrigerant cap lock keys, low loss hose fittings, spare thermocouples and clamp-on probes. See your local HVAC supply house for additional information.

 

Dual Channel Digital Thermometer: $80 - $400

  • Fieldpiece ST4 Dual Thermometer meter, two W/K-type thermocouples
  • Fluke 52II Dual Input Digital Thermometer, two W/K-type thermocouples

 

Miscellaneous Tools and Equipment:

  • Measuring tape
  • Ladders
  • Digital Camera
  • Flash Light or head lamp
  • Tarps and/or Drop cloth
  • Shop towels
  • Booties to cover shoes
  • Extra batteries
  • Cordless vacuum cleaner
  • 6 in 1 Screw driver
  • Hand Tools
  • Safety Equipment:
    • Dust mask
    • Safety glasses
    • Gloves
    • Hard Hat

 

Links to Manufacturers, Common Suppliers, and CEC approved Airflow Measurement Apparatus list:

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