Home Energy Rating System Program - HERS

The HERS Program regulations of Title 20, Sections 1670 through 1675, were amended. Effective on January 1, 2026, the HERS Program no longer supports an Energy Code compliance demonstration program. The field verification and diagnostic testing provisions now appear in the Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6 and associated administrative regulations in Part 1). Additionally, the CEC is beginning a rulemaking to further update the affected sections of Title 20 and establish a new program. For the new Title 24, Part 6, compliance demonstration system, visit the Energy Code Compliance Program page. If seeking information about the Home Energy Rating and Labeling Program rulemaking, visit the Home Energy Rating and Labeling page. Program Information Expand All Collapse All Homeowner Resources 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. General Resources 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 more. 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards Information relating to the 2019 Energy Code including compliance more. HERS Regulations California Code of Regulations, title 20, division 2, chapter 4, article 8, sections 1670-1675. HERS Technical Manual Describes the requirements for HERS 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 Expand All Collapse All How to receive HERS testing? 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. Is HERS testing mandatory? 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. How do I hire a HERS rater? 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. Who are the HERS providers? Approved by the CEC, HERS providers are companies who 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. How much does it cost?