{"id":1724,"date":"2026-10-05T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rkmair.com\/blog\/?p=1724"},"modified":"2026-10-06T08:55:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T15:55:29","slug":"what-is-a-hers-test-and-why-is-it-mandatory-for-my-new-riverside-installation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rkmair.com\/blog\/hvac\/what-is-a-hers-test-and-why-is-it-mandatory-for-my-new-riverside-installation\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a HERS Test, and Why Is It Mandatory for My New Riverside Installation?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are planning a new HVAC installation in Riverside, CA<\/a>, you may hear about HERS testing as part of the permitting and compliance process. HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System. While California updated the program in 2026, the field verification and diagnostic testing once handled under HERS now falls under the Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal remains straightforward: verify that required energy-efficiency measures and equipment are installed and functioning as intended. These checks help support code compliance and the expected performance of qualifying energy-efficiency features in a new home and HVAC work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Is Testing Required?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

California’s Energy Code applies requirements to newly constructed homes, additions, and alterations. Under the 2025 Energy Code, which applies to qualifying permit applications submitted beginning January 1, 2026, field verification and diagnostic testing is mandatory for newly constructed single-family buildings. When required, the specific testing is identified on the project’s Certificate of Compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does the Test Check?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An ECC rater, formerly called a HERS rater, performs third-party verification of applicable features. Depending on the project, the rater may inspect HVAC equipment<\/a>, air ducts and vents, the thermostat, and other relevant components. Testing can involve access to the electrical panel, attic, crawlspace, or roof. Homeowners may also be asked to close windows and exterior doors or turn off exhaust fans during testing so those conditions do not affect the results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Happens During the Process?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The rater collects information, performs the required diagnostic tests, and documents the results through an approved registry. California requires ECC providers to train, certify, and oversee their raters, adding another layer of quality assurance. The provider may also conduct a follow-up quality-assurance visit to verify that the testing and reporting were completed accurately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is It Really Mandatory?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For qualifying new construction, yes. However, testing requirements depend on the project’s scope and the applicable Energy Code provisions. Proper permitting is important because required verification is part of the compliance process. Our team can explain which requirements apply to your project and help coordinate the necessary steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We Can Help You Navigate It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hearing that your new HVAC system needs third-party verification can sound complicated, but you do not have to manage every detail yourself. Our team of certified experts can help you understand the requirements, coordinate the appropriate verification, and keep your installation moving toward completion. We understand how important proper documentation and testing are when you’re investing in a new system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Smoother Installation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HERS testing, now incorporated into California’s ECC process for Energy Code compliance, is designed to confirm that energy-efficiency measures are installed correctly and meet applicable standards. With knowledgeable professionals guiding you through the process, you can feel more confident that your new HVAC installation is handled carefully from installation through compliance. Reach out to our team of certified experts to learn how we can help make your Riverside project as smooth as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact RKM Heating and Air Conditioning<\/a>\u00a0today to schedule an appointment with us for help with your HVAC installation in Riverside, CA. Done Right, Priced Right.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you are planning a new HVAC installation in Riverside, CA, you may hear about HERS testing as part of the permitting and compliance process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[232],"tags":[233,90],"class_list":["post-1724","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-hvac","tag-hvac-installation","tag-riverside"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rkmair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1724","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rkmair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rkmair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rkmair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rkmair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1724"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.rkmair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1724\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1725,"href":"https:\/\/www.rkmair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1724\/revisions\/1725"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rkmair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1724"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rkmair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1724"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rkmair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1724"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}