I highly recommend Rick's HERS service. Vic, his technician, came out to perform the test on our HVAC system, and he was professional, polite and very efficient. Afterward, we were having a lot of problems from the person who had processed our Title 24 paperwork two years ago because she "didn't have enough file space on her system." I went back and forth with her in a very frustrating encounter, and Rick helped me through this horrible experience. Long story short, she had already been paid for the report two years ago and was trying to charge me again. Rick helped me through this with humor and sound advice. We finally got the darn thing from her, and Rick's worker is uploading it to CHEERS. Thank you so much! I told Rick he is like a rare bird these days -- good ol' hard-working people who just do their job right and don't try to cheat you!
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Kimie Kuzay Avatar
Kimie Kuzay
Sep 2019

Your Premier Partner for Luxury Estate & Commercial Energy Verification

Home Energy Rating Service serves as the definitive authority on energy compliance and verification for the exclusive community of Calabasas, California. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas represents the pinnacle of luxury living and high standards. From the guard-gated estates of The Oaks and The Estates to the bustling commercial corridors along Agoura Road, navigating the specific requirements of the Calabasas Building and Safety Division requires a partner with precision, discretion, and deep technical expertise. We specialize in the Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Program, acting as the critical link between your architectural vision and final city approval. Whether you are constructing a custom hillside mansion requiring a residential ECC rating or retrofitting a high-end retail space at The Commons, we are the dedicated resource you can rely on to ensure your project meets California’s rigorous Title 24 standards.

We are a well-established and reputable home energy rating service that takes immense pride in our role within the Calabasas real estate and construction sectors. We understand that in this market, privacy and professionalism are as important as technical accuracy. Our team is accustomed to working within the strict access protocols of private gated communities, ensuring that our presence is seamless and our testing procedures never disrupt your lifestyle or construction timeline. As a locally owned and operated business, we possess specialized knowledge of the microclimates in the West San Fernando Valley, ensuring your energy systems are optimized for the intense summer heat.

Why Calabasas Builders & Homeowners Choose Us

  • Licensed, Insured & Bonded: We carry substantial liability coverage ($1,000,000) to protect our high-net-worth clients and their valuable properties. This level of protection provides absolute peace of mind during on-site diagnostic testing.
  • Certified Experts: Our technical team consists of California Energy Commission (CEC) certified professionals who are expertly trained in the latest Energy Code Compliance standards, including complex requirements for large-scale luxury residences.
  • White-Glove Service: We understand the clientele in Calabasas. We hire only quality, trusted, and reliable staff who treat your estate with the utmost respect, adhering to strict confidentiality and professionalism at every step.
  • Full Spectrum Service: From sprawling custom estates and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to corporate office parks and retail centers, we have the advanced equipment and expertise to handle every scope of work.

From the initial review of your Title 24 energy calculations to the final HERS testing service and permit sign-off, we invite you to experience the superior standard of care at Home Energy Rating Service. Contact us today to secure your compliance certification.

Calabasas ECC Testing & HERS Services

Streamlining Your Path to Efficiency, Compliance, & Occupancy

Navigating the modern building landscape in Calabasas requires a sophisticated understanding of the Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Program. This regulatory framework ensures that new and altered buildings meet specific energy efficiency standards before they can be legally occupied. Our team provides the essential ECC testing service required by the City of Calabasas. We act as objective third-party verifiers, conducting the necessary field diagnostic tests to prove that your construction aligns perfectly with the energy design calculations submitted during the planning phase.

Assessing Energy Efficiency Our certified raters utilize the Energy Rating Index and verified ECC methodologies to strictly evaluate your property’s performance. We provide a precise numerical score that rates a building’s energy efficiency. This ECC rating functions similarly to a miles-per-gallon sticker for a vehicle; a lower score indicates a higher level of efficiency. In the luxury market of Calabasas, a superior energy score is a mark of quality construction. It demonstrates that the home is not only compliant but is also engineered for maximum comfort and reduced environmental impact, a key selling point for discerning buyers.

Residential Solutions: Tailored for Large Estates For homeowners in Calabasas, our HERS testing service is designed to identify invisible energy drains that compromise comfort in expansive living spaces. Large estates often have complex, multi-zone HVAC systems that require precise calibration.

  • Duct Leakage Testing: In large homes with extensive ductwork running through hot attics, leakage is a massive source of energy waste. We verify airtightness to ensure conditioned air reaches the furthest wings of the estate, not the attic space.
  • Refrigerant Charge Verification: We ensure high-capacity air conditioning systems and heat pumps meet the manufacturer’s precise specifications. In Calabasas, where summer temperatures frequently soar, an optimized charge is critical for cooling performance and equipment longevity.
  • Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): We verify that mechanical ventilation systems meet ASHRAE standards. This ensures that even tightly sealed modern homes have a constant supply of fresh, filtered air, which is critical for health and comfort.
  • Quality Insulation Installation (QII): We inspect insulation at the framing stage to ensure there are no gaps or voids. This is often a mandatory requirement for large custom homes to meet Title 24 compliance without sacrificing architectural glass features.

Commercial Verification: Serving Corporate & Retail We offer a full suite of commercial services to support general contractors and facility managers in Calabasas’s thriving business districts.

  • Commercial Air Balancing: We perform precise air balancing to ensure every register in a medical office, restaurant, or retail boutique delivers the correct volume of air. This optimizes the comfort of clients and staff while ensuring the HVAC system operates efficiently.
  • Mechanical Acceptance Testing: Our technicians verify that complex systems like economizers, variable frequency drives, and demand-control ventilation operate as designed. This satisfies the rigorous non-residential Title 24 requirements enforced by the city.
  • System Performance Evaluation: We conduct audits of existing commercial HVAC systems to identify inefficiencies. This preventative approach helps property managers reduce operating costs and extend the lifespan of expensive mechanical equipment in Calabasas’s premium commercial real estate.

Promoting Sustainable Building Practices Our testing services are a fundamental component of the green building movement, aligning with Calabasas’s commitment to environmental stewardship. A verified home energy scoreencourages the construction of homes that consume significantly less energy, thereby reducing carbon footprints. By validating that high-performance systems—such as high-efficiency heat pumps, tankless water heaters, and solar photovoltaic arrays—are installed correctly, we ensure your building contributes to a sustainable future. We help builders bridge the gap between architectural intent and actual building performance.

Incentives and Rebates Achieving high performance through ECC testing is financially rewarding beyond just lower monthly operational costs. Utility companies and government agencies often offer substantial rebates, tax credits, and financing incentives for properties that exceed standard efficiency benchmarks. A professional HERS rating in Calabasas is often the mandatory documentation required to claim these valuable financial incentives for upgrades like high-performance windows, attic insulation, and heat pump water heaters. We assist you in gathering the necessary data to maximize your return on investment.

Our Core Diagnostic Services

  • Duct Testing: Verifying airtightness to prevent energy loss and contaminant infiltration.
  • Refrigerant Charge Measurement: Ensuring A/C units and heat pumps run at factory-specified efficiency.
  • Air Balancing: Optimizing airflow distribution for commercial comfort and system longevity.
  • Title 24 Consulting: Expert guidance on compliance forms like CF-1R, CF-2R, and CF-3R.
  • Blower Door Testing: Measuring whole-house air leakage to validate the building envelope’s tightness.
  • Permit Expediting: Assisting clients in navigating the bureaucratic process with the City of Calabasas to close out permits faster.

Common Questions About Energy Compliance

What is the Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Program? The ECC Program refers to the comprehensive set of standards (Title 24) designed to reduce energy consumption in buildings. It mandates independent verification by a certified ECC testing service to ensure that installed energy features meet the approved energy design. This program moves beyond simple component inspection to verify total system performance.

Do you perform air balancing for commercial buildings? Yes. We offer comprehensive commercial services, including air balancing, system performance verification, and mechanical acceptance testing for retail locations, restaurants, and corporate offices in Calabasas. Proper air balancing is critical for maintaining building pressure and maximizing the efficiency of commercial HVAC units.

What is the difference between HERS testing and ECC testing? These terms are often used interchangeably as the industry transitions its terminology. HERS (Home Energy Rating System) is the legacy term, while ECC testing refers to the broader verification activities required to meet the modern Energy Code Compliance Program standards. Our company is certified to perform both, ensuring you meet all regulatory definitions.

Why is an ECC rating important in Calabasas? An ECC rating or HERS rating is typically required by the Calabasas building department to finalize a building permit. It serves as proof that the home’s energy features (HVAC, insulation, windows) were installed correctly and perform as promised in the energy calculations, ensuring the issuance of your Certificate of Occupancy.

Are you insured? Yes, Home Energy Rating Service is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We carry comprehensive liability insurance ($1M) to protect our clients and their properties during all inspections and testing procedures. We are happy to provide proof of insurance to general contractors and homeowners upon request.

Home Energy Rating Service (805) 551-1050