2025 Energy Rater Training

At Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s Energy Efficiency NOW Training 2025, a network of energy raters from across the state gathered to share knowledge, sharpen their skills, and recertify as AHFC-approved raters.

The required course for AHFC-approved energy raters, Methods of Analysis on Residential Structures focuses on combustion safety, air tightness, blower door basics and diagnostics, ventilation requirements and testing procedures. In total, the MARS Recertification training requires 20 hours of class time and one hour of field testing. The recertification process is completed every three years.

Two Energy Efficiency NOW classroom sessions were dedicated to beginning the recertification process, followed by hands-on training in a local Anchorage residence. There, energy raters were able to test combustion safety and zonal pressure with their own tools and try out some of AHFC’s newer models. Each energy rater then completed a one-hour field test where they performed Combustion Appliance Zone tests.       

All 17 participants have been recertified for another three years and have completed all of their required continuing education units for the year. The energy raters travelled from their home communities in Anchorage, Fairbanks, the Mat-Su Valley, the Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak, Juneau and Sitka to participate in the training sessions and complete their recertification requirements.

The Alaska Housing Building Energy Efficiency Standard was established by the State of Alaska to promote the construction of energy efficient buildings. It sets energy use standards for thermal resistance, air leakage, moisture protection and ventilation. All buildings that began construction on or after January 1, 1992 must comply with BEES if Alaska Housing or other state financial assistance is used in the purchase of a loan.

With programs like the New Home Construction Rebate requiring an energy rating as part of the eligibility process, having a trained, certified and experienced task force of energy raters is a benefit to homeowners across the state.

To become an AHFC-approved energy rater, individuals must demonstrate four years or 8,000 hours of education, training, and experience in one or more relevant trade or professional areas, in addition to other requirements.

From there, candidates complete an application and participate in an AHFC Energy Rater training or the BPI Building Analyst program. Upon completion of training, the trainee must complete five energy ratings to AHFC standard.

---

Need an energy rating for your home? See a list of AHFC-certified energy raters.

Interested in becoming an energy rater? Learn more about the requirements.