Home Energy Rating System (HERS)
There are various types of HERS verifications and ratings; Some to verify quality installation of new or replacement systems and some to provide analysis of existing buildings, aka HERS II. We have equipment to provide diagnostic analysis to establish quantifiable measurements of energy elements. Hers tests may be used in Title 24 energy models to gain compliance. HERS II analysis is used to evaluate existing buildings and help develop cost effective measures to improve the home’s performance.

Verification of Title 24 credits for:

• Maximum Duct Leakage
• Ducts in Conditioned Space
• Quality insulation inspection (QII)
• Blower Door infiltration tests
• Duct Leakage to Outside

Surprisingly or not, since duct testing has become more common it has been shown that typical duct systems leak around 30%; if you were losing 30% of the gas in you car you'd be looking for a way to fix it but most folks aren't aware that we are pouring conditioned air, that they paid for into the outdoors, or crawl space. The duct blaster test is a fairly easy way to determine your level of loss and then pinpoint the worst areas.

If you are getting a new system installed it is required that you get a permit and that this test be done. If you don't get a permit you don't meet the requirement and you don't get verification that the system is with in acceptable leakage ranges, all too often they are not. The installing contractor needs to register with CalCERTS and complete a CF-1R and CF-6R for the project.

As a third party HERS rater I am not allowed to perform any repairs but I will do what I can to help pinpoint leakages. If we are just analyzing ducts to improve performance I can do some repairs.

QII
It is also quite common that insulation is installed poorly at best. Infrared imaging has demonstrated just how catastrophic even a seemingly small corner of missing insulation can be. Although it is easy to install insulation properly it is not common practice. A third party inspection can create the incentive to not cut corners on this important step in creating the ultra comfortable home we all strive for. This can be a very tough measure to comply to and the insulation contractor must be aware if it is required or requested.