Yes — it’s the same program under a new name. Effective January 1, 2026, California’s 2025 Energy Code renamed the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) program to Energy Code Compliance (ECC). HERS Raters are now ECC Raters, and the core field tests — duct leakage, airflow, refrigerant charge, and Quality Insulation Installation — are essentially unchanged. Permits pulled before 2026 still say "HERS"; 2025-code projects say "ECC."
In most cases, yes. Replacing or relocating an HVAC system in California triggers a Title 24 permit, and that permit usually requires ECC/HERS field verification — typically duct leakage testing and equipment/airflow verification — before it can close. Many homeowners only discover this at final inspection. We coordinate directly with your contractor so verification doesn’t delay your project.
An ECC/HERS Rater performs independent, third-party field verification that your installation matches your Title 24 design. Common measures include duct leakage testing, system airflow, fan watt draw, refrigerant charge verification, and Quality Insulation Installation (QII). Results are documented on the required CF2R/CF3R forms and registered with an approved registry.
For a typical single-family home or ADU, plan on about 2–4 hours depending on how many measures apply. Duct leakage testing alone usually runs 1–2 hours. Minor issues can often be corrected on site without a return trip.
A failed measure isn’t the end of the project. If duct leakage exceeds the allowable limit, for example, your contractor corrects the issue and we re-test — only the corrected measure needs to pass. Small problems are frequently resolved on the spot, so you don’t restart the whole process.
Schedule testing after the HVAC system is installed but before drywall in any area where duct access may be needed. Coordinating early prevents tear-out and keeps your inspection timeline on track. We’re happy to advise on sequencing for your specific project.
Usually, yes. ADUs, garage conversions, and additions that include conditioned space or new HVAC almost always trigger Title 24 and the associated ECC field verification. We’ll confirm exactly which measures apply once we know your scope.
A very common reason is missing ECC/HERS verification. Title 24 requires registered field-verification documentation before the building department will sign off. If your permit is stuck at final inspection, an outstanding ECC/HERS test is often the cause — and one we can usually resolve quickly.
Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) is the process of measuring and tuning an HVAC system so every space receives its designed airflow. Proper balancing eliminates hot and cold spots, improves comfort and indoor air quality, lowers energy use, and is required for code compliance and certification on many commercial projects.
They serve different purposes. ECC/HERS testing is residential Title 24 energy-code verification (duct leakage, charge, QII). Air balancing (TAB) measures and adjusts actual airflow to design specifications, most often on commercial and multifamily systems. Many projects need both — and we provide both under one roof.
A stamped TAB report is commonly required for commercial Title 24 compliance, new mechanical-system commissioning, tenant improvements, healthcare and lab spaces, and green-building certifications such as LEED. If a plan reviewer, GC, or inspector has asked for a "balance report," that’s what we deliver.
Mechanical acceptance testing (the NRCA process) verifies that nonresidential HVAC equipment and controls — economizers, demand-control ventilation, variable-speed drives, and more — actually function as Title 24 requires. It’s a separate requirement from air balancing and must be performed and documented by a certified technician before a commercial permit can close.
Nonresidential acceptance testing must be performed by a certified Acceptance Test Technician working under a certified provider, and documented on the required NRCA forms. Using an uncertified party can result in rejected documentation and permit delays. Our technicians hold the required certifications.
Cleanroom certification verifies that a controlled environment meets its required ISO 14644-1 cleanliness class. Testing typically includes airborne particle counts, airflow velocity and volume, room pressurization, HEPA filter integrity, and recovery testing. We provide documented certification reports suitable for audits and regulatory compliance.
Most facilities recertify on a 6- or 12-month cycle depending on ISO class and industry requirements, plus additional testing after filter changes, equipment moves, or facility modifications. We can set up a recurring schedule so your certifications never lapse.
Yes. We test laboratory fume hoods, commercial kitchen exhaust, and general exhaust systems for face velocity, capture, and airflow performance, and provide documented reports for safety compliance and code verification.
We provide HVAC testing, air balancing, and energy-compliance services throughout California.
Pricing depends on the service, project size, number of systems or measures, and location. The fastest way to get an accurate number is a quick quote — send your project details and we’ll respond promptly.
CalHERS Energy is a certified HVAC testing and energy-compliance firm serving California, providing ECC/HERS field verification, TAB air balancing, Title 24 acceptance testing, cleanroom certification, and exhaust testing.
We prioritize fast scheduling to keep your permit and inspection timeline on track, and deliver registered, inspection-ready documentation promptly after testing. If you’re up against an inspection deadline, tell us — we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Both. We work directly with HVAC contractors, general contractors, builders, and developers, as well as homeowners and property owners. For permit-driven jobs we coordinate with your contractor and the building department to close out compliance smoothly.