Certified HERS Rater in Northern California
HERS stands for the Home Energy Rating System. By following the HERS guidelines and passing the HERS inspection, we bring the world closer to a greener Earth. If you are looking for a certified HERS rater in Northern California, look no further than 5 Star Energy.
We proudly serve Butte, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity counties. With our skills, equipment, and dedicated team, we can conduct HERS testing and inspections for homes of any size — from small bungalows to multi-million-dollar estates.
What Is a HERS Rater?
A HERS rater is an independent, certified professional trained to verify that a home’s energy features were actually built the way the plans say they were. The rating itself follows a standardized scale set by RESNET (the Residential Energy Services Network) — the lower the HERS Index Score, the more energy-efficient the home. California’s building code requires a certified HERS rater to perform specific field verifications (duct testing, envelope leakage, refrigerant charge, and more) before a new home or major remodel can close out its permit. 5 Star Energy’s HERS raters handle this field verification across Northern California.
Our Comprehensive Approach to HERS Testing
5 Star Energy takes a multi-step approach to HERS testing and inspections to ensure that your home meets or exceeds all applicable energy code requirements:
- Duct Sealing — Verifying duct connections are properly sealed
- Low Leakage Ducts in Conditioned Space — Testing duct systems within the building envelope
- Verification of Supply and Return Duct Design — Ensuring proper airflow distribution
- Refrigerant Charge Verification — Confirming correct refrigerant levels in HVAC systems
- Verified System Airflow — Measuring actual airflow against design specifications
- Air Handler Fan Efficacy — Testing fan performance and efficiency
- Verified EER/EER2 — Confirming Energy Efficiency Ratio ratings
- Verified SEER/SEER2 — Confirming Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio ratings
- Building Envelope Leakage — Blower door testing for air tightness
- High-Quality Insulation Installation (QII) — Visual inspection of insulation quality
Why HERS Testing Matters
HERS testing and inspections ensure that your home is as energy-efficient as possible, which can save you money on your utility bills and make your home more comfortable to live in. We take the time to thoroughly test every aspect of your home’s energy performance, so you can rest assured that it meets California’s energy standards.
When Do You Need a HERS Test?
You typically need a HERS test in California when:
- Building a new home
- Installing or replacing an HVAC system
- Adding square footage to an existing home
- Your building department requires verification of energy features
- Applying for energy efficiency rebates or incentives
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a HERS rater, and do I need one? A HERS rater is a certified, independent professional who performs the field testing California’s energy code requires — duct leakage, building envelope leakage, refrigerant charge, and airflow verification, among others. If your project needs Title 24 compliance for a new home, an HVAC change-out, or an addition, you need a certified HERS rater to sign off on that testing before the building department will close your permit. 5 Star Energy provides that certified HERS rater service throughout Northern California.
How much does a HERS test cost? HERS testing costs vary based on the size and complexity of the home. Contact us at (530) 275-3350 for a free quote.
How long does a HERS inspection take? Most residential HERS inspections can be completed in 2-4 hours, depending on the number of systems being tested.
What’s the difference between Title 24 and HERS testing? Title 24 is the energy calculation done before construction to ensure your plans meet California’s energy code. HERS testing is the field verification done during and after construction to confirm the home was built according to those plans.
Contact us at (530) 275-3350 to schedule a HERS testing and inspection today.