HERS Testing - get title-24 certified

HERS Testing stands for Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Testing. It is a specialized process used to measure a home's energy efficiency and is often a legal requirement for new construction or major renovations. 

As of January 1, 2026, California has transitioned the HERS program into the ECC (Energy Code Compliance) program for projects under the 2025 Energy Code.  

The tests include Duct Leakage, Blower door Testing, HVAC Verification, Window and and Insulation R-value compliance.

Think of it as an "MPG rating" for a house. Just as a car has a fuel efficiency rating, a HERS test provides a score that tells you how much energy a home uses compared to a standard model.

 As a certified third-party HERS Rater, I, not your HVAC contractor, visits the construction site, commercial and residential, to perform several diagnostic tests using state of the art air pressure equipment.

You need this for several reasons, the main one is to pass your permitting process: 

• Compliance: In California, you cannot "close out" a building permit or get a Certificate of Occupancy without a passing HERS report. The report is generated by CHEERS, depending on locale and permitting authority.
• Quality Control: It ensures that the contractors actually installed the high-efficiency equipment and insulation you paid for, and that it meets permit standards.
• Resale Value: A certified low HERS score can be a strong selling point, proving to buyers that utility bills will be low. More and more, agents are researching and presented certified HERS reports as part of appraisal and/or inspection reports to re-enforce cooling efficiency, insuring lower utility bills.

Think of these tests as Part 1 and Part 2 of you Energy Efficiency testing. 

In Part 1, I do visual and physical inspections of the HVA ducting, focusing primarily on the system sealing for leaks. I also confirm your insulation is properly installed and is not compressed to the point of losing R-value.

In Part 2, I do certified detection inspection. Using state of the art equipment, I  pressurize the vents to see if your expensive cold air is leaking into the attic. I also confirm refrigerant levels of freon are proper, and that your system is drawing the proper wattage, so that you're not wasting energy cooling the house.

A HERS test is not just a single appointment at the end of a project; it actually happens in two main phases depending on the scope of your renovation.

If you miss the first window, you could face significant delays or even be forced to remove drywall to make repairs and/or updates.

This is why it is important you contact me once you receive your Title 24 plans so I can confirm your system design and insulation ratings meet the T-24 requirements before you purchase and install the equipment.

Part 1, the QII, occurs after the mechanical systems and insulation are installed but before the drywall is hung.

• Quality Insulation Inspection (QII): I will verify that the insulation is installed perfectly (no gaps or compression) and that air sealing (caulking/foaming) is complete. It's much easier to find and repair leaks when the system is exposed

Part 2, the 'HERS' test occurs after the drywall is hung and all utilities are active, including and most important, the thermostat is installed and active. 

• Timing: The location is move-in ready,  the power is on, the HVAC system is fully operational, the thermostat is installed, and the registers (vents) are on.
• System Performance: I test the Airflow, Fan Watt Draw, and Refrigerant Charge. The AC must be able to run and functioning properly for these tests.
• Blower Door Test: This measures the total air leakage of the completed "envelope" of the house. 

Proper timing can either save you thousands or cost you thousands.

• You will be responsible for repairs and modifications: If the tests fail, I will issue a report and confer with you on the adjustments needed. This could be anything from repairing duct leaks (taping) to purchasing new rated windows or even new HVAC equipment. 
• Permits will be blocked: CalCERTS and CHEERS are online systems viewed by permitting departments. They login and view your reports, so they know exactly what's missing, and THEY WILL NOT ISSUE A PERMIT UNTIL YOUR REPORT IS CLEARED!

See my pricing guide, QII and HERS Test is $350. Retests are $100. Project registration with CHEERS ranges from $8 - $250, depending on the project.