Home Energy Rating Service
805 551-1050

Ventura  -  Los Angeles -  Orange - San Bernardino

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Air Balancing - Refrigerant Charge Measurement - Duct Testing
QII (Quality Insulation Installation) Inspection 
ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit) testing since 2005.  
CALL 805 551-1050
HERS Rating - Duct Testing - State Certified HERS Rater Technicians

What is a HERS Rater Technician 

Home Energy Rating System Rater (HERS Rater) is a person Trained and Certified by a State approved organization through the California Department of Energy to perform Testing pertaining  to conserving energy. HERS Raters can perform many services from duct testing to builder inspections for LEED or Energy Star programs, energy credits, or other energy saving inspections.

What is a duct leak test? 

A Duct leakage HERS test is a pressure test to measure any air loss in your duct system.  The HERS Rater seals off the duct system to pressurize it using special duct testing equipment that measures the input and loss. The Energy Department found that the average homes duct system leaks approximately 30% and made duct leakage testing mandatory Oct 2005.

(New and Existing Homes​)  Standards (Effective January 1, 2023)

Duct sealing and airflow/fan watt draw verifications are required in all climate zones, refrigerant charge verifications are only required in climate zones 2 and 8 thru 15.

Duct testing is required if greater than 25' of new or replacement ducts are installed, or
if a new or replacement of a space-conditioning system equipment is installed including the FAU, condenser, evaporator coil and/or heating coil.
A New duct system shall have total duct leakage 5% or less. No exceptions, No options.

Existing ducting: shall have total duct leakage of 10% or less (changed from 15%) duct leakage to outside or use the Seal All Accessible Leaks protocol which requires a visual inspection and Smoke Test.

New duct system:
Measured Airflow shall be 350 CFM/ton, and
Measured Fan Efficacy shall be 0.45 Watts/CFM for Gas Furnaces Only.
Measured Fan Efficacy shall be 0.58 Watts/CFM for all other types of furnaces other than gas.
Small Duct High Velocity duct systems:
Measured airflow shall be 250 CFM/ton, and
Measured fan Efficacy shall be 0.62 Watts/CFM.


                                         2020 Standards
HERS Testing Related

Quality Insulation Installation and associated HERS testing is prescriptively required.

Whole house fan testing.

Kitchen exhaust hood verification.
Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) Product Directory
https://HVI.org
Kitchen Range Hood Verification requirement

Home infiltration (blower door) if project utilizes continuous exhaust  for attached dwellings.

• HVAC systems require MERV 13 filter.

• Water heater credit for Drain Water Heat Recovery system.

• Residential Solar
    The new code requires solar photovoltaic systems for new homes.
For new residential homeowners, based on a 30-year mortgage, the Energy Commission estimates that the new code will add about $40 to an average monthly payment, but save consumers $80 on monthly heating, cooling and lighting bills. Nonresidential buildings will use about 30 percent less energy due mainly to lighting upgrades.
What Climate Zone do I live in? (PDF download)
Climate Zones by zip code 

Duct sealing and airflow/fan watt draw verifications are required in all climate zones, refrigerant charge verifications are only required in climate zones 2 and 8–15.

How long does it take to perform a standard airtightness test of a house or duct system?

How long does it take to perform a standard air tightness test of a house or HERS duct system?
A standard air tightness test of a house can usually be completed in 30 minutes or less. If you are having the Air conditioning also tested the total test should be about 1 hour. The Blower Door can typically be installed in about 5 - 10 minutes. Additional preparation and inspection of the house prior to beginning a test adds another 15 minutes. At this point, a test of the house to determine the overall leakage of the envelope can be conducted in less than 5 minutes.
Once the simple air tightness test has been completed, additional diagnostic procedures to find and prioritize the major leakage sites can add another 20 to 45 minutes depending on the size and complexity of the house, and the procedures used.
A standard air tightness duct test system using a Duct Blaster usually takes a little longer than a house test (about 20 to 30 minutes more), due to the need to temporarily seal all registers and grills before starting the testing procedure. Use of an adhesive backed register sealing material, such as Duct Mask, can keep this additional time investment to a minimum. 

Are there Utility Company rebates available?

Are there Utility Company rebates available?
Yes. The major utility companies have programs available each year for New Construction Builders and existing homeowners as well. The funds are available on a first-come-first-served basis and are limited. Please call your utility company to inquire about funds availability. 

Why do I need a Title-24?

Why do I need a Title-24?
The California Energy Commission requires the County or City Building Departments review a Title-24 energy calculation on your home to ensure the new construction, addition, or remodels comply with California Code Efficiency Standards before a permit is issued                 

When do I need a Title-24?

When do I need a Title-24?
Anytime you build a new home, change the square footage of the house or increase the window sizes. 

About Energy Star

About Energy Star
ENERGY STAR, an innovative energy efficiency program first introduced in 1995 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a voluntary national partnership that now includes more than 2,400 builders, developers, retailers and product manufacturers all working to build homes that use energy more efficiently.                 

What is an Energy Star Home?

What is an Energy Star Home?
An Energy Star home is built a minimum of 15% more energy compliant than California Energy Code requirements. The extra measures used to meet the minimum 15% are required to be verified by an independent 3rd party tester/inspector (called a HERS Rater). Once the tests/inspections are successfully verified, Home Energy Rating Service registers the home on the State Registry and issues the Energy Star Certificate.                 

Why would I want my home to be Energy Star?

Why would I want my home to be Energy Star?
An Energy Star home has various advantages. The greatest advantages are lower utility bills and mortgage incentives. For new homebuilders, the advantages also include marketing benefits. 

What is the difference between Energy Star and the Total Home™ System programs?

What is the difference between Energy Star and the Total Home™ System programs?
The Total Home System™ incorporates all Energy Star measures and more. The house is required to have ACCA approved duct designs, improved insulation installation and the outside envelope is better sealed to prevent your conditioned air from escaping. At each step, a qualified HERS Rater inspects and tests each home to verify the superior energy efficiency quality of the home. 

Call Us

805 551-1050

Counties Serviced

    Ventura - Los Angeles         Orange  San Bernardino

Business Hours

 7 Days a week … 7 am – 9 pm

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Watch a video about how to pass your duct test.

New_SEER2_equations


      WHAT IS CHANGING FROM 2016 TO 2019 Standards      

The 2019 standards will be implemented statewide on January 1, 2020

45L FEDERAL $2000 TAX CREDIT EXTENDED as of 8/16/22!
Available for some new construction and ADU's


NEW HOME REQUIREMENTS

Quality Insulation Installation and associated HERS testing is prescriptively required.

• Whole house fan testing.

• Kitchen exhaust hood verification.
Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) Product Directory https://www.hvi.org/
Kitchen Range Hood Verification requirements

• Home infiltration (blower door) if project utilizes continuous exhaust for attached
dwellings.

• HVAC systems require MERV 13 filter.

• Water heater credit for Drain Water Heat Recovery system.

• Residential Solar

• The new code requires solar photovoltaic systems for new homes.
For new residential homeowners, based on a 30-year mortgage, the Energy Commission estimates that the new code will add about $40 to an average monthly payment, but save consumers $80 on monthly heating, cooling and lighting bills. Nonresidential buildings will use about 30 percent less energy due mainly to lighting upgrades.


About us

We have been doing Title 24 HERS Rater duct testing certifications since the California Energy Commission made it mandatory in 2005.

We provide HERS Testing - Duct Testing service to A/C Contractors, Builders, and Homeowners in the following counties:
Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange County. If you live outside this area contact us and we will help you find a HERS Rater to do a HERS test or Duct Testing in your area.

We can provide you with a State Certified Title 24 HERS Rater Duct Test and the Refrigerant Charge Measurement along with all the necessary forms. Including the CF-1R, CF-2R and CF-3R forms which are required by both the City and County Inspectors when the HERS duct test is performed.

HERS Raters are certified by the California Energy Commission as special inspectors for performing HERS Ratings, HERS testing, HERS certification, HERS verification, Duct testing, or a third party HERS Rater HERS test - Duct test. 



Why Choose Us

Our values form the basis of everything we do.

Respectful

We treat our customers, employees and business partners with respect and our relationship with them is based on an open dialogue. We keep our word and our promises. For us, respect and trust form the basis for working successfully with others.

Independent

Through our entrepreneurial independence, we develop transparent, honest and optimal solutions for our customers.

Personal

With energy, enthusiasm and expertise, we work hard every day on our customers behalf. For us, being close to our customers is an essential aspect of providing outstanding services.

Sustainable

On all levels of our organization and business units, our aim is to add value and act responsibly. We work towards sustainable success and treat our company and its resources with care.

Cities serviced by 
Home Energy Rating Service
Ventura - Los Angeles - Orange San Bernardino 

Our Service Area :
Camarillo Fillmore Moorpark Newbury Park Oak Park Oak View Ojai Oxnard Piru Port Hueneme Santa Paula Simi Valley Somis Thousand Oaks Ventura Westlake Village Agoura Hills Alhambra Altadena Arcadia Artesia Avalon Azusa Baldwin Park Bell Gardens Bellflower Beverly Hills Burbank Calabasas Canoga Park Canyon Country Carson Castaic Cerritos Chatsworth Claremont Compton Covina Culver City Diamond Bar Downey Duarte El Monte El Segundo Encino Gardena Glendale Glendora Granada Hills Hacienda Heights Harbor City Hawaiian Gardens Hawthorne Hermosa Beach Huntington Park Inglewood La Canada Flintridge La Crescenta La Mirada La Puente La Verne Lake Hughes Lakewood Lancaster Lawndale Littlerock Llano Lomita Long Beach Los Angeles Lynwood Malibu Manhattan Beach Marina Del Rey Maywood Mission Hills Monrovia Montebello Monterey Park Montrose Mount Wilson Newhall North Hills North Hollywood Northridge Norwalk Pacific Palisades Pacoima Palmdale Palos Verdes Peninsula Panorama City Paramount Pasadena Pico Rivera Playa Del Rey Playa Vista Pomona Porter Ranch Rancho Palos Verdes Redondo Beach Reseda Rosemead Rowland Heights San Dimas San Fernando San Gabriel San Marino San Pedro Santa Clarita Santa Fe Springs Santa Monica Sherman Oaks Sierra Madre Signal Hill South El Monte South Gate South Pasadena Stevenson Ranch Studio City Sun Valley Sunland Sylmar Tarzana Temple City Topanga Torrance Tujunga Valencia Valley Village Valyermo Van Nuys Venice Verdugo City Walnut West Covina West Hills West Hollywood Whittier Wilmington Winnetka Woodland Hills Ontario Chino Chino Hills Upland Fontana Rialto Colton Grand Terrace Montclair Rancho Cucamonga San Bernardino Loma Linda Highland Redlands Aliso Viejo Anaheim Brea Buena Park Capistrano Beach Corona Del Mar Costa Mesa Cypress Dana Point Foothill Ranch Fountain Valley Fullerton Garden Grove Huntington Beach Irvine La Habra La Palma Ladera Ranch Laguna Beach Laguna Hills Laguna Niguel Laguna Woods Lake Forest Los Alamitos Midway City Mission Viejo Newport Beach Newport Coast Orange Placentia Rancho Santa Margarita San Clemente San Juan Capistrano Santa Ana Seal Beach Silverado Stanton Sunset Beach Surfside Trabuco Canyon Tustin Villa Park Westminster Yorba Linda