Randy,

I am a licensed (Texas) HI and I have just become a HERS Energy Rater. This certification enables me to issue a HERS Rating index for a new house and also to inspect and sign for an Energy Star Rating. When you do HERS and Energy Star analysis and inspections you have to be RESNET certified. To get certified you need to attend a week long class, pass a test, complete 3 probationary ratings and sign on with a HERS Rating Provider. I have already had builders that I do phase inspections for ask me to do their Energy Star workups. All HERS and Energy Star ratings require a blower door and duct blaster test. The training/cert is not cheap - $1500 and is given by a number of rater trainers. I took mine through KBSI.

I have just advertised in the local newspaper that I will conduct an energy analysis on "your" existing home. I am going to include a blower door test but not a duct blaster test. With just the blower door I can get the duct leakage outside of conditioned space.

I also took an energy audit course (2 days) as part of my HI continuing ed. It was minimal at best. No blower door or duct tests required. I did not feel that this energy audit was beneficial to the homeowner.

I think the combination of a HI that specializes in new construction phase inspections and the Energy Rater certification is a great fit.