HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Technical Manual

This Technical Manual explains the requirements for Home Energy Rating System (HERS) software, requirements for HERS providers, and procedures that California Home Energy Auditors shall use to conduct California Home Energy Audits, procedures that California Whole House Home Energy Raters shall use to conduct California Whole House Home Energy Ratings, and the requirements and limitations on California Home Energy Inspectors, California Home Energy Analysts, and California Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing Raters. HERS software is used to calculate the California HERS Index, to generate recommendations on how to improve the energy performance of the rated home, and to analyze customers utility bills.

The manual was adopted by the Energy Commission on December 17, 2008. OAL published the regulations (and the technical manual by reference) on August 3, 2009.