BarrierEnergy will take care of the paperwork and data entry for your project, from beginning to end!

The design plan is the foundation of your construction project. Before an architectural plan is drawn up, we must determine the best energy strategy for your project. Pre-HERS is an investment in your project and clients typically save thousands in their bottom line. We will help you assess your budget and consult you about which upgrades will benefit you the most in order to maximize the value of your project. A well-planned project is likely to run smoothly and on schedule.

After the architect finishes the design plans, we will take on translating your plans into a Report. Our team will review your plans to maximize the energy performance of your property.

Projects go more smoothly when the architect, HERS Rater, and T-24 consultant discuss the project from beginning to end. We will offer consultation to help you stay on schedule, on budget, and compliant with energy standards. The advice we offer includes Q&A, compliance measures, brand selection, and referrals. Click here to learn more about what consultation adds to your project.

The design plan is the foundation of your construction project. Our team will review your plan set to maximize the energy performance of your property. We will take on translating your plans into a Report, which shows an overview of all energy-consuming features.

It’s important to keep the kitchen cool and the cooking area clean (free of airborne bacteria). Airflow requirements must be taken into account during the planning phase of your construction project.

As you are designing your kitchen, an expert will approve its compliance with efficiency standards. Only a trained technician will be able to make these calculations. Read more on our page for kitchen hood testing.

Air balance refers to the even distribution of airflow throughout the building. Duct vents will be tested to certify consistent airflow in each room and level. Keep this in mind when designing your HVAC system.

Read more on our page for Air Balance Testing.

So, the goal is to deisgn an efficient, yet cost effective Power Distribution System. We are the experts that will help you do just that, while adhering to California State efficiency requirements.

Fenestration refers to the arrangement of windows and doors on a building. California requires compliance with the types, locations, numbers, and sizes of windows. Windows are a surprising trap in a building because it is often overlooked.

Factors of thermal transmission include placement, reflectiveness, and window tinting. Therefore, different kinds of windows and doors are required depending on the setting. We will consult you on which windows will fit best with your project while filling out all necessary documentation. Learn more about selecting windows and doors here.

We are here to make sure your project meets these requirements as set by Title 24. In addition, we will offer our recommendations of what materials and components to use for the best possible system design.

At BarrierEnergy, we understand all these calculations can be complicated time-consuming. We want to maximize your energy savings by offering you the expert advice you need. That’s why we’re dedicated to walking you through these processes. Reach out to one of our experts today.

Currently, all new or altered buildings in the state of California must have solar panels or sufficient space for solar panel installation. A Solar Ready Area is a large, relatively flat empty space on the roof, which could potentially hold solar panels.

This law was created as a precursor for PB solar requirements. Most buildings will need to have solar panels installed unless they meet certain exemptions. Read more about Title 24 regulations for solar-ready areas and solar panels here.

We are the experts that will help you do just that, while adhering to California State efficiency requirements.

A building envelope refers to its’ exterior construction. Building leakage thusly refers to how tightly a building is sealed as a whole. Air can leak into or out of a building from windows, doors, flooring, roofing, and so on. A tight seal is important because solving the problem will save money, comfort, and energy.

All parties responsible for the construction process must sign off on this document to authenticate the proper installation. They must visually inspect for gaps or cracks.

To learn more, visit our page on building leakage.

In order to meet energy efficiency guidelines, lighting systems must adhere to certain requirements. For example, using energy-efficient bulbs, such as LED, will allow you to stay within the allotted power allowance. Another method of improving efficiency is to install lighting controls such as light sensors, automatic shut-off schedules, and so on.

Nonresidential lighting verifications cover indoor, outdoor, and sign lighting. This stage is to verify that the plan-set for lighting matches the installation. Learn more about JA8 Lighting.

Hot water systems must be inspected to ensure they were installed according to the plan set. We fill out the plumbing installer verification form and other compliance documentation if water heating credits were claimed in your plans. Learn more about compliance credits on our page on efficient water heaters.

Title 24 guidelines determine the requirements for solar in your project. Commercial projects under 3 stories high must have solar panels installed. In the 2022 code, this also applies to high-rise structures. Learn more about solar regulations and exemptions.

A building envelope refers to its’ exterior construction. Building leakage thusly refers to how tightly a building is sealed as a whole. Air can leak into or out of a building from windows, doors, flooring, roofing, and so on. A tight seal is important because solving the problem will save money, comfort, and energy.

A duct blower is used to determine how much air leakage is coming from a building. This machine does so by gauging air pressure. If the testing results do not meet efficiency standards, identified leakage paths must be sealed properly. Boundaries must be visually inspected for gaps. In some cases, a smoke test will be performed to determine leakage points. 

To learn more, visit our page on building leakage.

Whenever a new HVAC system is installed,  technicians must test the internal pressure of the ductwork. According to California’s energy efficiency laws, we have a legal obligation to ensure the duct system is tightly sealed.  If the pressure reading is not within approved guidelines, it must be sealed properly. Hence, we test when the building is at-rough before the walls are up.

As HERS Raters, this test is our specialty! For more information, visit our duct leakage testing page.

Once a kitchen hood is installed, an air balance test measures the ratio of intake air versus output airflow. This test insurance kitchen hoods are operating properly according to energy efficiency regulations. Read more on our page for kitchen hood testing.

Air balance refers to the even distribution of airflow throughout the building. Duct vents will be tested to certify consistent airflow in each room and level. Read more on our page for Air Balance Testing.

Fenestration refers to the arrangement of windows and doors on a building. California requires compliance with the types, locations, numbers, and sizes of windows. Windows are a surprising trap in a building because it is often overlooked.

Learn more about the codes for windows and doors here.

After lighting installations have been verified, a technician must perform acceptance testing. These are functional tests, for the actual performance of the lighting system. Lighting systems should function according to the acceptance documents. Learn more about JA8 Lighting.

The outdoor air certificate of acceptance is granted after a technician performs a variable air volume systems test. Basically, the airflow of supply vents will be tested to confirm there is adequate outdoor ventilation for the HVAC system. Supply vents provide a building with fresh, temperature controlled air.  Outdoor air circulates inside a building to maintain air quality. There should be sufficient airflow, but still controlled.

At this stage, a field technician will be verifying the functionality of the outdoor air systems including supply fans, heat pumps and ductwork. Other compliance criteria consists of correct thermostat placement and programming, and so on.

It is our job to verify the return vent has been installed properly and the airflow levels match current standards. Certified HERS Raters will hook a flow hood up to the return vent in order to read its airflow in cubic ft per minute. They will also test the return vents’ air economizer controls, demand control ventilation, and fan variable flow controls.

When the project is at final, all data regarding the new duct system will be verified and recoreded. Any problems that were uncovered in the initial testing phase must be corrected by this point. Our technicians will make a final compliance statement to validate the efficiency of the duct system.

A building envelope refers to its’ exterior construction. Building leakage thusly refers to how tightly a building is sealed as a whole. Air can leak into or out of a building from windows, doors, flooring, roofing, and so on. A tight seal is important because solving the problem will save money, comfort, and energy.

At final, building leakage will be tested and verified. Any problems that were uncovered in the initial testing phase must be corrected by this point. Our technicians will make a final compliance statement to diagnose the efficiency of the building envelope.

Hot Water Distribution refers to what plumbing style is used to deliver the water. The most common is standard distribution, but certain distribution types can get you extra compliance credits. Learn more on our page about water heating.

The final verification paperwork covers kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans. All forms of ventilation contribute to the overall indoor air quality of the building.

Through LEED you can also aquire points and credits for your project. We will help you choose which credits to pursue for the most payback. The amount of points obtained will determine which level of certification you are rewarded: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum.

Buildings with the Energy Star stamp have higher market value while saving time and resources in the long run. It’s a great return on investment.

Energy Efficient Mortgages can also be used for upgrading new homes. In this instance, HERS Raters would be conducting a home energy assessment to help determine the cost effectiveness of upgrades. The expected savings from installing efficiency upgrades will offset the cost of the improvements. Based on these findings, the FHA approves an allocated amount towards energy efficient upgrades. Therefore, the FHA can guarantee an energy package loan to cover initial installation fees by lumping it in with the mortgage. Reach out to our experts for more information about this service.

We know which programs will work best for you. Reach out to our experts today.

For example, 45L is a tax credit that encourages the construction of energy efficient residential properties. Contractors may be eligible for a $2,000 tax credit per energy efficient unit. In order to qualify, a certified field technician must verify the efficiency of the dwelling unit(s) meets the programs standards.

To learn more about the special programs and savings you could qualify for, reach out to our expert team today.