Title 24 HERS Testing (ECC Rating)
CHEERS-certified field verification for California Title 24 compliance. Same-day pass / fail in writing. CF1R, CF2R, and CF3R prepared and registered with CHEERS - at no additional charge.
What is HERS / ECC Rating testing?
HERS (Home Energy Rating System) testing - renamed by the California Energy Commission to ECC (Energy Code Compliance) - is the third-party field verification required by Title 24, Part 6 of the California energy code. Most homeowners and contractors still call it "HERS." The two terms refer to the same program. ERE Inspections performs both.
ERE is a CHEERS-certified rater. Specific tests required vary by scope of work and California climate zone. We register CF3R certificates with CHEERS.
What's included
- Duct leakage testing. Pressurized duct system with calibrated equipment to verify leakage to outside is within Title 24 limits for the climate zone and scope.
- Refrigerant charge verification. Standard or alternative method per CEC protocols to confirm the system is properly charged.
- Cooling coil airflow testing. Measured airflow across the indoor coil to confirm the design value at the operating fan speed.
- Fan efficacy / fan watt draw. Watts-per-CFM measurement to verify the air-handling fan meets Title 24 efficiency thresholds.
- CF1R, CF2R, CF3R preparation and registration. All three certificates included at no additional charge. Most providers bill these separately.
- Same-day field reporting. Pass / fail and the underlying numbers in your inbox the day of the test - not the morning after.
- We bring our own single-story ladders and equipment. No need to stage anything in advance for roof or attic access.
How long does it take?
A typical residential field visit takes 1 to 2 hours on average, depending on the number of measures being tested and the complexity of the system. Multi-unit and commercial projects take longer. Reports go out the same day. The CF3R is then registered with CHEERS.
Who needs HERS / ECC testing?
- New residential construction - almost always triggers HERS verification of multiple measures.
- HVAC alterations - replacing or adding a coil, condenser, furnace, or more than 40 feet of ducting typically requires duct leakage testing.
- Window, insulation, and water-heater changes - trigger Title 24 obligations that may include HERS verification depending on scope.
- ADUs and accessory dwelling units - standard scope.
- Light commercial - ERE handles small commercial Title 24 projects on the residential / Part 6 side.
Quality Insulation Installation (QII)
We also handle Quality Insulation Installation (QII) verification — the HERS-verified Title 24 measure (Reference Appendix RA3.5) where a rater confirms your insulation and air barrier are installed correctly before the drywall goes up. It's a separate inspection from the HERS / ECC test above. See our full QII verification page →
Frequently asked
What's the difference between HERS and ECC?
The same program. The CEC renamed HERS (Home Energy Rating System) to ECC (Energy Code Compliance) to distinguish California's program from the federal RESNET HERS Index. We test under both names.
Do you charge separately for the CF3R?
No. CF1R, CF2R, and CF3R preparation and registration are included at no additional charge. Many providers bill these as line items.
How fast is "same-day"?
Pass / fail and the supporting numbers go to your inbox the day of the test. We deliver your inspection results the same day in most cases.
What if a test fails?
We document the failure, complete any other required tests, and brief you on what needs adjustment. Most failures are correctable on the same visit (refrigerant charge, fan speed, duct sealing). Re-test fees are quoted up front when relevant.
Do I need to provide a ladder?
No. We bring our own single-story ladders and access equipment to every site, including for roof and attic access.
Is HERS / ECC testing required for my project?
Most California construction triggers HERS / ECC verification. New residential construction almost always requires multiple HERS measures. HVAC alterations - replacing a coil, condenser, furnace, or more than 40 feet of ducting - typically require duct leakage testing under Title 24, Part 6. Window changes, insulation upgrades, water-heater replacements, and ADU construction trigger Title 24 obligations that may include HERS verification depending on scope and climate zone. Send us your scope and we'll tell you which measures apply. The CEC publishes the current rules.
What's the difference between CF1R, CF2R, and CF3R?
The CF1R is the Certificate of Compliance - it documents what the building was designed and permitted to include. The CF2R is the Certificate of Installation - the trade contractor signs it confirming the energy features were installed as designed. The CF3R is the Certificate of Verification - the HERS / ECC rater (us) signs it after field testing confirms the install meets Title 24. All three are required for most projects; ERE prepares and registers all three at no additional charge.
What is a climate zone, and does it affect my test?
California is divided into 16 climate zones by the California Energy Commission, each with different Title 24 requirements based on local heating, cooling, and humidity patterns. LA County spans Climate Zones 6, 8, 9, and 16. Orange County is mostly Zones 6 and 8. The Inland Empire is Zones 10 and 14. Climate zone affects which HERS measures apply, the duct leakage thresholds, and which prescriptive paths are available. We confirm your project's zone before quoting and only run the tests Title 24 actually requires.
When should I schedule the HERS / ECC test relative to construction?
For HVAC alterations, schedule the test after the duct system is sealed, the equipment is installed and charged, and the system is fully operational - typically right before the final building inspection. For new construction with multiple measures, we may run staged tests (rough-in for duct leakage, then final). We coordinate with your construction schedule and the city's inspection sequence so the CF3R is ready when the final inspector arrives. Booking lead time is typically less than a week across LA, OC, and the Inland Empire.
Ready for your Title 24 / HERS test?
Send your project address and scope. Same-day pass / fail, CF1R / CF2R / CF3R included, and CHEERS registration at no extra charge.