InterNACHI HEA study guide
InterNACHI HEA · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The InterNACHI Home Energy Auditor (HEA) certification is a specialty credential offered within the InterNACHI® (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) education and certification ecosystem. It is aimed at home inspectors, energy assessors, weatherization technicians, and contractors who want to demonstrate competence in evaluating a home's energy performance rather than only its physical condition. Candidates are typically members or prospective members who already understand residential construction and want to add diagnostic energy-assessment skills to their service menu. The exam samples the working knowledge an auditor uses on site: building science and heat transfer, envelope and insulation assessment, air sealing, windows and doors, HVAC and combustion safety, ventilation, blower door and duct leakage testing, energy modeling, utility bill analysis, prioritizing improvements, and client reporting and professional ethics. The InterNACHI HEA study guide has 5 sections and about 1,631 words.
01Building Science Fundamentals and Heat Transfer
This domain tests how heat, air, and moisture move through a house and whether you can turn those principles into defensible numbers. Expect questions on conduction, convection, radiation, R-value versus U-factor, thermal bridging, pressure drivers, and dew point.
328 words, about 2 min02Building Envelope Assessment (Insulation, Air Sealing, Windows and Doors)
This domain tests whether you can inspect the envelope, identify defects, and specify improvements that actually perform. You need working knowledge of insulation types, installation quality, air-sealing locations, window ratings, and door leakage.
319 words, about 2 min03HVAC Systems, Combustion Safety, and Ventilation
This domain tests equipment efficiency, airflow, combustion appliance testing, and whole-house ventilation. Expect questions on AFUE, SEER2, HSPF2, static pressure, worst-case depressurization, CO action levels, and ASHRAE 62.2.
318 words, about 2 min04Blower Door and Duct Leakage Testing, Diagnostic Tools, Energy Modeling, Utility Bill Analysis, and Prioritizing Improvements
This domain tests whether you can measure building performance, interpret the numbers, and choose improvements in a defensible order. Expect blower door calculations, duct leakage, diagnostic tools, utility bill analysis, and cost-effectiveness screening.
321 words, about 2 min05Reporting, Client Communication, Program Standards, and Professional Ethics
This domain tests whether your work is usable, honest, and defensible. Expect questions on report content, client-friendly language, program rules, limitations, and ethical conduct.
345 words, about 2 min