How to Complete Projects with Greater Ease
The 2022 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) goes into effect January 1, 2023. Projects that apply for permits on or after that date will fall under the 2022 Code.
Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) are the testing protocols built into the Energy Code. A HERS Rater is the special inspector certified to conduct field testing & verification. HERS Raters conduct project-specific tests as described on the Title 24 report, more commonly known as the CF1R.
As the California Energy Code becomes more stringent, HERS Raters are essential to the construction process as trusted third-party reviewers of the performance of a building’s major energy-using appliances. And so far, every Energy Code cycle, there are more tests HERS Raters are required to perform.
To help ensure you reach the end of your project on time, within budget, and with full Energy Code sign-off, we suggest a kickoff meeting! Getting everyone on the same page at the beginning can go a long way to making sure your projects are completed on budget and code compliant.
How to do it? First, invite the Architect, General Contractor, Energy Consultant and HERS Rater to be present. You might also include your HVAC and insulation installers, who will add depth and context to the rest of the team.
Now that so many of us are comfortable with Zoom and online meetings, there’s no need to gather in person. You can accomplish a thorough kick off in just an hour or two online.
Once you start hosting kickoffs, you will see your projects completing with greater ease. That feeling may lead you to start inviting your window installers and plumbers, too.
If you’d like help planning a kickoff, give us a call. You could even invite a 3C-REN Energy Code Coach to facilitate, at no charge. For personalized help with your CF1R or HERS Rater questions, contact an Energy Code Coach anytime. Give us a call at (805) 781-1201 or submit a help request on our site.
Resources are available to help you navigate code changes on the California Energy Commission website and 3C-REN Energy Code Connect Resource Library. In the Resource Library you’ll find CF1R specific forms such as What to Check on a CF1R-PRF-01 and When to Call Your HERS Rater.
