Southwest HERS Raters makes it easy to be compliant with the Title 24 Energy Standards and local permit requirements by providing both building permits and HERS testing services under the same roof. We are based in San Diego and provide HERS testing and verification services to contractors and homeowners throughout San Diego and Riverside Counties.
What is a HERS Rater?
H.E.R.S. Stands for Home Energy Rating System.
A HERS Rater is a special building inspector who has been certified by the California Energy Commission to verify that California Title 24 Energy Standards are met by the installing contractor.
To find out more about HERS visit the California Energy Commission Website.
What Tests and Verifications Does a HERS Rater Perform?
The Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards apply to new construction, additions and alterations. Additions are changes to an existing building that increase the conditioned floor area and volume. Alterations that are not additions are changes to a building's envelope, space conditioning system, water heating system or lighting system.
HVAC Alterations
We perform HERS testing and verification on heating and air conditioning equipment and systems. Whether you are “cutting in” a completely new system to a home, replacing existing equipment, upgrading and adding new equipment, or just re-ducting a system, it is considered an HVAC Alteration.
According to the scope of work and climate zone your project may require one or more of the following HERS tests:
- Duct Leakage Test
- Cooling Air Flow Test
- Fan Efficacy Test
- Refrigerant Charge Verification
Residential New Construction /Alterations/ Additions
We perform HERS testing & verification on all your residential building projects. According to the scope of work and the options modeled into your project one or more of the following HERS tests or verifications may be required:
- Duct Leakage Test
- Cooling Air Flow Test
- Fan Efficacy Test
- Refrigerant Charge Verification
- By-Pass Duct Verification
- Whole Building Ventilation - IAQ
- Quality Insulation Installation - QII
- Supply Duct Location & R Value Verification
- Verified Duct Design
- Hot Water Pipe Insulation
- Pipe Insulation Credit
- Central Parallel Piping
- Compact Water Distribution System
- Point of Use Water Heating System
- Water Heating Recirculation System
- EER Verification
- SEER Verification
- Low Leakage Air Handler
- Building Air Leakage
- Cool Roof Verification
- Verification of Existing Conditions
NSHP – New Solar Home Partnership
We are certified to inspect & verify that your photovoltaic solar systems are installed and operating up to design specifications for the NSHP program.
For more information on the New Solar Home Partnership Program visit the California Solar Initiative Website.
HVAC System Evaluations for Home Purchases
The heating and air conditioning system accounts for almost 50% of the energy used in a home and when it’s time to replace it the costs can run into the thousands of dollars. Having it tested and evaluated before you buy a home can save you a lot of grief and money later on. If you don’t have it tested…You’re just guessing..
Click here to learn more about our Condition and Efficiency Evaluations for residential HVAC systems.
When do You Need a Building Permit?
According to the California Building Standards Code, no building or structure may be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the building official. Yes, that includes installing a new or replacement furnace, air conditioner, or ductwork. There are several different types of permits, based on the type of construction: structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and combination (used for single-family home construction and other small projects).
Code requirements vary in different cities. You may need to create plans to submit to the department, make a plot plan for your property showing the improvements, and show the type of construction you'll be using. We know what’s required by all the different city and county offices and for a small fee we can fill out all the forms and apply for your permits for you.
HVAC Installer Training
Southwest HERS Raters provides training for your HVAC install crews to bring them up to speed on the 2023 changes and answer any questions they may have about HERS testing in general. For your convenience we can come to your shop or do a quick tailgate meeting at your jobsite. 1 man or 100, we are happy to offer our services to any size contractor. You won’t have to worry about failing a HERS test when you know what is required to pass.
Air Conditioner Energy Use Calculator
Use our Cost of Operation Calculator to see what effects leaky ductwork has on your system, or how much money you can save by upgrading to a higher SEER air conditioner. Click here to visit the energy use calculator
Have Questions??
Do you have questions about HERS testing or building permits? Never registered with a HERS provider such as CHEERS or CALCERTS before? We will be happy to answer your questions and guide you thru the process. Call us today 1-888-619-HERS (4377)
