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What is HERS?

What is HERS?

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the industry standard by which a home's energy efficiency is measured. It's also the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home's energy performance. Since 1999, HERS testing has been an active part of the California building code. The program was started to address construction defects and faulty equipment installations. HERS raters are responsible for verifying construction complies with current energy codes. The goal of the program is to create a consistent, accurate and uniform rating system based on a single statewide rating scale.

When Is HERS Verification Required?

All California homeowners and contractors are required to comply with the requirements of the California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 6, Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings to meet the state’s energy goals and requirements. Most importantly, contractors must comply with all applicable California building standards. This includes using certified HERS raters to verify HVAC installations meet energy efficiency standards. Therefore, before starting a home improvement project, be sure to hire a state licensed contractor to make sure all permit and energy regulations are followed.

Description of the HERS Test

A HERS rating is an industry standard, by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured. The HERS Index is based on a scale from 0 to 250. The lower the number, the more energy efficient the home. This relative rating is provided after HERS testing is completed and gives home buyers or homeowners insight as to how the home ranks on an energy efficiency scale.

HERS testing verifies proper installation and efficiency of new system. This is done by completing refrigerant charge test and duct test. New or current duct work must pass the minimum required leakage rate.

Below are three of the most common types of tests performed during HERS testing:

  1. Duct Test—A duct test measures the amount of air leaks in unconditioned areas from the duct system. The new or current duct work must pass the minimum required leakage rate. All duct work must be sealed and air tight.
  2. Refrigerant Charge (RC) —This test measures how well your air conditioning system performs and verifies that refrigerant levels were correctly charged and meet manufacturer specifications.
  3. Cooling Coil Airflow (CCA)—Used in conjunction with the refrigerant charge verification, this test measures the velocity of air flowing through your duct system during the air conditioning cycle.

Heating and cooling needs vary throughout California. As a result, there are 16 unique zones with their own requirements. This ensures that homes are built to be the most energy efficient for that area of the state. Contact us online or call (818) 341-3406 to and see how we can help you with your HVAC project. We offer free estimates and flexible financing. To learn more about other services we offer please visit our homepage here.

Our Services

Air Conditioning Installation

For AC installation, our certified team ensures a professional and seamless AC replacement process. We perform a detailed load calculation to select the perfect AC unit for maximum energy efficiency. We handle everything from ductless mini-split systems to full HVAC system installation, guaranteeing a quality AC installation service that keeps you cool and saves you money. Learn more

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Heating Installation

We provide expert heating installation and furnace replacement services. Our certified technicians perform a thorough load calculation to recommend the best and most energy-efficient furnace installation. We manage every detail of your new heating system installation, from start to finish, to deliver a high-quality, reliable, and professional heating installation service.
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Air Conditioning Repair

At home or at your workplace, there's always the potential for sudden HVAC operating failure and the need for immediate HVAC repair. We'll put you back into the comfort zone ASAP. Our technicians are experienced, EPA certified, trained, background checked, drug tested, Workers' Compensation insured, uniformed, professional, and honest. They will diagnose your system and provide you with a written estimate for repairs.

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Heating Repair

When your heating fails, our team provides prompt and professional heating repair and furnace repair. We are experts at diagnosing and fixing a wide range of issues. We offer fast emergency heating repair to minimize your business's downtime, delivering reliable heating service that ensures your system runs safely and efficiently all winter. Learn more

Air Quality

Whether you're at home or at work, your health and comfort can be affected by poor air quality. And, the air quality is affected by the air temperature, the humidity, the quality of ventilation and any contaminants or irritants like indoor pets, pollen, dust mites, cleaning products, lead, Formaldehyde and Asbestos, Poor Air Flow, mildew and mold. Poor air quality can cause more than slight discomfort - much more!

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Maintenance

As Benjamin Franklin said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Same idea applies to your central heater and air conditioner maintenance.Think of it as an oil change for your auto, which improves your car's engine performance, maximizes your gas millage and minimized down time by avoiding unnecessary repairs.

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