Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) Program

The California Energy Commission established regulations for the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Program to certify home energy rating services in California. The goal of the program is to provide reliable information to differentiate the energy efficiency levels among California homes and to guide investment in cost-effective home energy efficiency measures.

HERS includes field verification and diagnostic testing available through Commission-certified providers. The Energy Commission has a process for certifying HERS raters who perform third-party inspections when verification of specified measures that are used when complying with current Title 24 Building Efficiency Standards. The regulations regarding field verification of newly constructed homes and remodeling are currently in effect.

Title 24 regulations regarding the rating of new and existing homes become effective August 1, 2009. Under the new regulations, HERS rates will also provide suggested cost-effective rehabilitations to existing homes (including multifamily). Most HERS raters should be adequately trained in the new regulations and procedures by January 2010. The EnergyCommission is strongly encouraging builders to utilize -- and funding or other affordable housing regulatory agencies to require -- a HERS rater review of existing affordable housing that is planning to undergo rehabilitation after December 2009.

For more information regarding the HERS program, please visit the Energy Commission's main website at: www.energy.ca.gov/HERS/