The HERS Program, also called the Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing Program, is a way to ensure that the various features of a home meet the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Energy Code). If work requires HERS testing, a rater will perform field verification and diagnostic testing on the appropriate features. If the system fails, the contractor is required to fix it.
The information below contains resources for homeowners and current or potential providers as well as literature pertaining to the HERS Program. Also included below is an FAQ.
Program Information
- Find a HERS Provider and HERS Rater
Information about and links to current Home Energy Rating Systems providers. Providers maintain a database of raters who are qualified to verify the work of licensed HVAC contractors. - Contractors State Licensing Board
The Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB) protects California consumers by licensing and regulating the state’s construction industry. Find a licensed contractor, file a complaint, check a license, and more.
- How to develop a HERS provider application - Staff Report
Information for organizations that want to become certified or recertified by the CEC to provide HERS services and operate a residential data registry for documents demonstrating compliance with the Energy Code. - 2019 HERS provider and data registry checklist - Excel
Supplemental guidance to the staff report specific to the 2019 Energy Code. - 2022 HERS provider and data registry checklist - Excel
Supplemental guidance to the staff report specific to the 2022 Energy Code. - HERS Provider Application Submittal
Information about submitting a HERS provider application.
- Energy Code Support Center
Documents and training information to help building communities and enforcement agencies comply with the Energy Code. - 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards
Information relating to the 2022 Energy Code including compliance software, appendices, compliance manuals, forms, and more. - 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards
Information relating to the 2019 Energy Code including compliance software, appendices, compliance manuals, forms, and more. - HERS Regulations
California Code of Regulations sections responsible for the HERS program. - HERS Technical Manual
Describes the requirements for HERS software, providers, and the procedures for California home energy audits and whole house home energy ratings. - Letter to HERS Providers and HERS Raters Regarding Quality Insulation Installation and Air-Sealing Products
- Federal "New Energy-Efficient Home" Tax Credit - Commission Approved Software
Frequently Asked Questions
When making a home alteration (for example, changing the HVAC system) or building an accessory dwelling unit, a homeowner can ask their rater (or installer) to see the completed HERS forms. Although many contractors have HERS raters they work with, a homeowner has the right to find and hire a rater who is independent of the contractor.
See Home Energy Rating System Providers for rater directories.
Depending on the work being done, HERS testing may be mandatory. Properly permitted work will trigger any necessary HERS testing. A contractor should understand and be able to explain permitting requirements to the homeowner. HERS testing should be part of this discussion.
It is the homeowner’s right to hire their HERS rater, but contractors may offer to take that responsibility. The homeowner should be aware of what to expect and ensure that the rater is a HERS provider certified Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing rater.
Approved by the CEC, HERS providers are companies who train, certify, and oversee the performance and behavior of HERS raters. They are also approved to operate data registries. A registry is where project compliance forms (the forms hosting the data on the particular energy efficiency feature) are completed and stored for review by the builder or contractor, building department officials, CEC staff, and the building owner. These registries may be found on the provider’s website and may be accessible to the homeowner.
HERS raters charge a variable fee. Ask for rates from raters or your contractor for more information regarding costs. Many contractors have established relationships with rater companies and have fixed these rates. There may be further costs for added services such as permit processing.
The rater should identify themselves with a photo badge and explain the tests to be performed. A visit will vary in length depending on the features being measured.
The rater will inspect and interact with the home’s various features (HVAC equipment, air ducts and vents, and thermostat). Most visits also require access to the home's circuit breaker panel. The tests could require walking on the roof or going inside an attic or crawlspace. You might be asked to close windows and exterior doors and turn off your clothes dryer or bathroom fan, as these will affect HERS testing. As a rater collects information, they might take photos of their instruments and conditions adjacent to the work.
Raters are also expected to explain that the HERS provider is required to perform quality assurance on the rater's work, and that the provider might contact the homeowner in the following weeks to schedule a quality assurance visit. This is to ensure that the rater is accurately testing and reporting at this home and many more throughout the year.
The presence, or even the suspicion, of asbestos used in duct insulation or sealing can exempt some tests such as duct leakage testing. However, even if no tests are performed, HERS documentation is still required to close the permit. Ask for a written statement from the contractor or rater about any exceptional conditions.
For more information about identification and abatement, review the CSLB's consumers' guide to asbestos - PDF.
If you are concerned about the quality of work, or if you experience problems with the system, first contact the installer. If the issue persists contact the California State Licensing Board (CSLB) who oversees contractor licensing. A consumer can find a licensed contractor, check a license, file a complaint, and more.
If concerned about the work done by a rater, contact that rater’s provider explaining the full circumstances of the issue.