If you’ve recently renovated your home, replaced your HVAC system, or are in the middle of a new construction project in Sacramento, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Title 24 compliance.” But what does it actually mean — and why does it matter so much in California’s capital region?
Whether you’re a homeowner trying to understand what your contractor is asking for, or a builder making sure your project passes inspection, this guide breaks down exactly what Title 24 requires, when HERS field verification is triggered, and how working with a certified local rater like Express Duct Test makes the whole process faster and simpler than you might expect.
What Is Title 24 and Why Does It Apply to Sacramento Homes?
Title 24 refers to Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations, more formally known as the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards. It’s a set of requirements that govern how new and existing buildings use energy — covering everything from lighting and insulation to windows, water heating, and HVAC systems.
California updates Title 24 every three years, and each revision typically raises the bar on energy performance. The most recent code cycle reflects California’s aggressive push toward zero-net-energy buildings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions — goals that are especially relevant in Sacramento, where summer temperatures routinely exceed 100°F and cooling costs are a significant part of every household budget.
For Sacramento homeowners, Title 24 most commonly comes into play during:
- New residential construction
- HVAC system replacements or upgrades
- Additions or alterations that expand conditioned floor area
- Major envelope changes like window replacements or re-roofing
- Duct replacement or modification in existing systems
When any of these projects trigger energy code compliance, field verification and diagnostic testing — collectively known as HERS testing — is typically required before a permit can be finaled.
What Is HERS Field Verification?
HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System. In California, the HERS program is administered by the California Energy Commission and serves as the official mechanism for verifying that a home actually meets the energy performance levels claimed on the building permit documentation.
Think of it this way: your contractor submits plans showing that your new HVAC system will meet Title 24 requirements. The building department approves those plans. But how does anyone know the system was actually installed correctly and performs as intended? That’s exactly what a HERS rater is there to verify.
A certified HERS rater — like the professionals at Express Duct Test — conducts on-site inspections and diagnostic tests to confirm that the installed equipment, ductwork, and other building systems match what was permitted and meet the required performance standards.
What Does HERS Field Verification Actually Involve?
The specific tests required depend on the scope of your project and what was specified on the CF-1R (the compliance form submitted with your permit). Common HERS measures in Sacramento homes include:
Duct Leakage Testing
Leaky ducts are one of the biggest sources of energy waste in Sacramento homes. During a duct leakage test, the rater pressurizes the duct system and measures how much air escapes. California’s Title 24 sets maximum allowable leakage thresholds — for new construction, this is typically 4% or less of total system airflow. For alteration projects, the threshold may be higher, but the system still needs to be tested and documented.
Refrigerant Charge Verification
An improperly charged air conditioner doesn’t just underperform — it can increase your energy bills by 5–15% and shorten the life of your equipment. HERS raters verify refrigerant charge using either a standard charge measurement or a verified refrigerant charge protocol, depending on the system type.
Airflow Measurement
Proper airflow across the evaporator coil is critical for both comfort and efficiency. HERS field verification includes measuring actual airflow to confirm it meets the rated specifications for your equipment.
Fan Efficacy
Sacramento’s 2019 and 2022 Title 24 cycles introduced stronger requirements for air handler fan efficiency. HERS raters can verify that your system’s fan is operating within the required watts-per-CFM range.
Insulation Installation Quality
For projects that include insulation work, a HERS rater may also perform an insulation installation quality inspection to confirm that the R-value and installation method match what was specified on the permit.
When Is HERS Testing Required in Sacramento?
This is the question most Sacramento homeowners and contractors get tripped up on. The short answer: HERS testing is required whenever your project’s Title 24 compliance documentation includes one or more HERS measures.
If your permit involves replacing your entire HVAC system — including the air handler, condenser, and ductwork — it’s very likely that multiple HERS measures will be triggered. Similarly, if you’re adding square footage to your home and extending the duct system, duct leakage testing is almost always required.
The specific HERS measures required for your project are listed on the CF-1R form, which your HVAC contractor or energy consultant prepares as part of the permit application. If you’re unsure whether your project requires HERS testing, the best approach is to ask your contractor or call a local HERS rater directly — it’s a quick conversation that can save you from permit hold-ups down the line.
Who Can Perform HERS Testing in Sacramento?
In California, HERS field verification must be performed by a Certified HERS Rater — an individual who has been trained and certified by a HERS Provider approved by the California Energy Commission. Common HERS Providers include CHEERS, CalCERTS, and PG&E.
Express Duct Test is a certified HERS rating company based right here in Sacramento. Our raters are certified through multiple accredited HERS providers and are deeply familiar with Sacramento County’s local permit processes, common HVAC system configurations in the region, and the specific measures that Sacramento-area contractors most frequently encounter.
That local knowledge matters more than it might seem. A rater who understands Sacramento’s climate, housing stock, and permitting workflows can complete your testing faster, catch potential issues before they become failed tests, and communicate more effectively with your building department if any questions arise.
What Happens If Your Home Fails a HERS Test?
A failed HERS test isn’t the end of the world — but it does mean your contractor needs to make corrections and schedule a retest before your permit can be finaled. The most common reasons for failing a duct leakage test in Sacramento include:
- Duct connections that weren’t fully sealed before testing
- Damaged flex duct that developed leaks during installation
- Connections at the air handler or register boots that weren’t properly mastic-sealed
- Duct sections running through unconditioned spaces (like attics) that weren’t properly insulated
In most cases, these are straightforward fixes. Your HVAC contractor makes the corrections, and Express Duct Test can return for a retest — often within the same day or the following morning. Our goal is to help projects pass, not to create unnecessary delays. We communicate clearly with contractors about any issues found during testing so corrections can be made efficiently.
How Long Does HERS Testing Take?
For a typical Sacramento residential project — say, a single-system HVAC replacement with duct leakage testing and refrigerant charge verification — expect the on-site testing to take between 1.5 and 3 hours. Larger homes, multi-system projects, or jobs with multiple HERS measures may take longer.
One thing that sets Express Duct Test apart: we provide the completed HERS report on the same day as testing. You don’t have to wait days for paperwork to come through — your contractor gets the documentation they need to close out the permit immediately. In a busy market like Sacramento, where every delay costs time and money, same-day reporting makes a real difference.
Title 24 Compliance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
California’s energy code gets more stringent with every update cycle, and keeping up with the requirements can feel overwhelming — especially for homeowners who just want their new AC unit installed and their permit finaled. But Title 24 compliance doesn’t have to be a headache.
The key is working with experienced, local professionals who know the Sacramento market and understand what’s required at every stage of your project. When your HVAC contractor partners with a certified HERS rater from the start — rather than calling one at the last minute — compliance issues get caught early, testing gets scheduled smoothly, and projects finish on time.
Schedule Your HERS Test with Express Duct Test
Express Duct Test is Sacramento’s trusted local HERS rating company, proudly serving the Sacramento Metropolitan Area, Roseville, Rio Linda, Antelope, Rocklin, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Carmichael, North Highlands, and the surrounding communities.
We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate contractors and homeowners, same-day reporting, and straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. Whether you need a quick duct leakage test for a single-system replacement or full HERS field verification for a new construction project, our certified raters are ready to help.
Call or text us at (916) 289-1211 to schedule your appointment today. Let us help you get your Sacramento project across the finish line — efficiently, accurately, and on the same day.