Duct Leakage Testing is a HERS verification that attempts to quantify the conditioned air that would leak out of an HVAC duct system during normal operation. When performed, duct leakage testing measures air leakage of a duct system with all of its intentional openings (supply registers and return grilles) sealed. In an ideal system, there would be zero duct leakage.

HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System, and is a program developed to address poor construction quality and equipment installation. Building Energy Efficiency Standards technologies and systems that trigger HERS verification are considered “HERS measures.” These cover HVAC systems, ductwork, ventilation, plumbing and insulation for residential projects, and ductwork for nonresidential projects. In order to verify these HERS measures, certified HERS Raters perform onsite inspections and tests, to ensure proper installation and code compliance.

A HERS Rater has have been trained and certified by a HERS Provider to verify compliance of HERS measures with California’s Energy Standards. They are third-party inspectors who perform field verification and diagnostic testing services for the benefit of the homeowner or building owner to ensure proper measure installation and systems operation.

HERS Raters perform inspections and field verification for HERS measures. These are measures that need more in-depth knowledge and usually require special testing equipment to verify the systems installed are working as designed. HERS Raters have been specifically trained and certified to perform this work. HERS Raters are similar to special inspectors and verify compliance on behalf of the building owner. Building Inspectors perform inspections for all Building Codes (Structural, Electrical, Plumbing, etc.) during set times throughout construction.

A homeowner or installing contractor will need to hire a HERS Rater when the CF1R

or NRCC requires HERS measures. Typically a HERS Rater should be selected at the

beginning of construction so they can inform the contractor about when they need to perform inspections and testing. For new construction and additions, it is important to coordinate with the energy consultant or documentation author when assigning a Rater to the project. This allows the Rater to have access to the registered compliance documentation associated with the project. This is also the case with alterations, but typically the installing contractor will assign the Rater to the project. The cost of HERS Raters varies depending on the HERS measures.

-New homes or additions greater than 1000 square feet.

-New or altered central HVAC equipment.

-Altered or extended ductwork more than 40 feet.

-New HVAC equipment.

-Replacing existing HVAC systems with all new equipment and all new ductwork.

Aircert Energy Ratings is certified to perform the following HERS verifications and testing:

-Duct Leakage

-Refrigerant Charge

-System Airflow

-Fan Efficacy / Watt Draw Ratio

-Blower Door

-Smoke Testing with Leak Inspection

-Quality Insulation Installation (QII)

-New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP)

-Verified SEER

-Verified EER

-Air Filter Device Design

-Low Leakage Air Handler

-Ducts Located in Conditioned Space

-Low Leakage Ducts in Conditioned Space

-Supply Duct Surface Area Reduction

-Buried Ducts

-Deeply Buried Ducts

-Bypass Duct Prohibition

-Installation of Fault Indicator Display (FID)

-Evaporatively Cooled Condensers

-Rated Heat Pump Capacity

-Whole House Fan

-Central Fan Ventilation Cooling System

-Whole Building Ventilation

-Building Envelope Air Leakage

-Pipe Insulation Credit

-Parallel Piping

-Compact Hot Water Distribution System Expanded Credit

-Demand Recirculation Manual and Sensor Control

-Verified Drain Water Heat Recovery System

-Multiple Recirculation Loop Design, Servicing Multiple Dwellings

Aircert Energy Ratings will travel anywhere throughout the State of California for your testing needs. Travel over 100 miles from Bakersfield, California may come with a fee, which will be dependent upon the size and nature of the project.

Due to the amount and type of HERS verifications each project may have, a brief telephone consultation is always best to discuss pricing. Please, call me at (661) 282-9030.

The following HERS Certifications were received through CalCERTS:

-HERS Residential Alterations & Fundamentals

-HERS New Construction Course

-HERS Nonresidential Course

-Solar PV (NSHP) Course