What is a HERS test?
The complete plain-English explainer: who needs one, what the rater checks, the CF1R/CF2R/CF3R forms, and how the HERS-to-ECC rename works.
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Guides
Title 24 & HERS Guides
Plain-English answers to the questions homeowners and contractors ask us most — what HERS testing is, what it costs, what the 2025 Energy Code changed, and how to pass on the first visit. Written by a certified ECC rater.
How much does a HERS test cost in California?
2026 market price ranges for duct tests, HVAC changeout packages, blower door, QII, and CF1R reports, with named sources.
Read the guideTitle 24 compliance checklist for remodels & additions
Step-by-step: which code cycle applies, the certificates you need, and which HERS measures your scope of work triggers.
Read the guideWhat happens if you fail a HERS test?
The common failure modes — duct leakage, refrigerant charge, airflow — what gets fixed on the spot, and the economics of a retest.
Read the guide2025 Title 24 changes: what contractors need to know
Effective January 1, 2026: heat-pump baselines, expanded refrigerant verification, ventilation rules, and the LSC compliance metric.
Read the guideDoes a water heater replacement need a HERS test?
Heat-pump water heater rules under the 2025 code, the 30A circuit and readiness items, and when a swap triggers verification.
Read the guideADU Title 24 requirements in California
CF1R energy calcs, the HERS measures new ADUs trigger, the QII rule for additions, and conversions vs. new builds.
Read the guideSame-day HERS testing & CHEERS registration
What same-day really means, why it matters for final-inspection and escrow deadlines, and how ERE delivers it.
Read the guideStill have a question?
We answer Title 24 and HERS questions every day. Call or send your project details and we'll tell you exactly what your permit requires — and quote a fixed price.