California Title 24, Part 6
Title 24 ECC field verification and testing
Some energy measures in a permitted project have to be field-verified and tested by a third-party rater before the permit can close. Michael Gill is a certified California Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Rater, the role formerly called HERS Rater.
Who it's for
Contractors and builders whose permit documents call for ECC (HERS) verification: HVAC changeouts, additions, alterations and new construction.
Homeowners managing their own project who have been told they need a rater.
Nonresidential projects whose compliance documents call for a rater. Michael holds a Nonresidential HERS Certification.
What field verification can involve
What can be verified
- Duct leakageTesting how much air the duct system loses, for projects that require it.
- Airflow and fan efficacyMeasuring HVAC system airflow and fan power where the permit calls for it.
- Refrigerant chargeVerification of the air conditioner or heat pump charge where required.
- Quality insulation installationChecking insulation before the walls and ceilings are covered, where a project uses that credit.
- Ventilation and indoor air qualityWhole-house ventilation airflow and related checks where required.
These are kinds of verifications a project may require. Which ones apply depends on the project's scope, its compliance documents and its permit.
Residential and nonresidential
What you get
- The field verification and diagnostic testing your project's compliance documents call for.
- Clear results, so you know what passed and what an installer needs to correct before a retest.
Envelope and attic checks
Honest notes
A rater verifies and tests; a rater doesn't design or install. If a measure doesn't pass, the installer corrects it and it's tested again.
Permit approval belongs to the building department. Verification is one step in that process, not a promise about the permit.
Before scheduling, have the project's compliance documents handy and ask Michael what each verification needs on site.
Questions
Is an ECC Rater the same as a HERS Rater?
Yes. California now calls the role Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Rater. Michael became a HERS Rater in 2019, updated his certification in 2022, and completed ECC Rater company training and certification in 2025.
Which tests does my project need?
That depends on the work, the building and the project's compliance documents. Send or read off what you have when you call, and Michael can tell you what's involved.
Do you work on nonresidential projects?
Michael holds a Nonresidential HERS Certification. Call to talk about the project and what its documents call for.
When should I schedule?
Once the work being verified is installed and can be reached. Insulation checks, for example, have to happen before it's covered. Coordinate with your contractor so the site is ready.
Related services
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Rather talk it through? Call (707) 533-7579, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or email [email protected].