Submitting a pre-existing conditions report is sometimes necessary to get the permit/plans approved. The purpose is to define all current conditions of the property in order to provide the building authorities with the proposed percentage of improvement. Learn more by clicking here.

The Title 24 Report, also known as the CF1R (Alt-01 or Alt-02), is a required document to get permit approval. It shows an overview of all energy-consuming features. Click to learn more about the Title 24 Compliance process.

We offer a simple solution to streamline our compliance process. We manage your electronic file by uploading Title 24 data on your behalf, as required by the state. Typically, CalCerts is our first choice, but Cheers is another alternative. For your convenience, we will navigate the software and sign off documents.

BarrierEnergy will take care of the paperwork and data entry for your project, from beginning to end! Learn more about CalCERTS vs CHEERS.

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. Throughout your project, we will advise you and answer all your questions. The advice we offer includes referrals, compliance measures, and brand selection. Click here to learn more about what consultation adds to your project.

After we have received your permit information and building design plans, we will complete, register, and submit the necessary CF1R form for your project. When the building inspector receives this, they will know your project is registered with an approved HERS provider. This document is required to get permits approved for a new job. Then, construction may begin! Learn more about this process in our blog post How to get a Certificate of Occupancy.

Currently, all new or altered buildings in the state of California must have sufficient space for solar panel installation. A solar-ready area is a large, relatively flat, empty space on the roof.

This law was created as a precursor for PV solar requirements. Most new buildings will need to have solar panels installed unless they meet search and exemptions. Read more about solar-ready areas and solar panel requirements here.

Once systems have been installed, they are ready for initial inspection/testing. Its important that some verifications are done before the walls are built, in case we do uncover major installation errors.

We will ensure energy guidelines have been met for the project, as outlined by the CF1R. At the end of this stage, you will receive the certificates of installation. Learn more about this process on our page How to get a Certificate of Occupancy.

On new job sites, the our team needs to identify the scope of work. The inspector will obtain information from every aspect of the project to determine what has been accomplished already, versus what needs to be done.

The inspector will obtain information on the project through the building’s ‘plan set’, or title 24 report. This report is an energy calculation file with all information relevant to that job site including square footage, number of rooms, etc. The title 24 report is an all-encompassing document listing the features on a building, including all systems.

Whenever changes are made to an existing HVAC system 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.

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.

In order to meet energy efficiency guidelines, lighting systems must adhere to a specific “power allowance”. Using energy-efficient bulbs, such as LED, will allow you to stay within the allotted allowance. Another method of limiting waste is to install lighting controls such as movement-detecting lights, automatic shut-off schedules, and so on.

This stage is to verify that the plan-set for lighting matches the installation. Learn more about Title 24 Lighting.

When a building is at “rough”, before the drywall has been installed, it’s important to assure the insulation is installed properly. We will verify insulation thickness, insulation types, and R-values.

Fenestration refers to the arrangement of windows and doors on a building. For this service, a technician will first measure the dimensions. Physical dimensions are used for energy calculations.

Factors of thermal transmission include placement, reflectiveness, tinting, and more. Therefore, different kinds of windows and doors are required depending on the setting. Learn more about the codes for windows and doors here.

Indoor air quality is a series of tests that verify systems of exhaust, intake air, and filtration. There must be adequate airflow based on how many occupants the building can hold and its size. This will control the levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Learn more on our page about Indoor Air Quality Inspections.

Refrigerant charge is triggered when air conditioners are altered by the installation of refrigerant-containing components. Simply put, it’s a verification of how much refrigerant is in the outdoor condenser. Learn more on our page about air-conditioning verifications.

Airflow verifies the minimum required airflow rate of the cooling system, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFMs). For more information read our page on air-conditioning verifications.

Using a duct blower, technicians test the internal pressure of ductwork to make sure it is tightly sealed. Testing ductwork will ensure its structural integrity.

Our technicians will verify the duct leakage test results when the construction project is at final. This will ensure that all the information in the CF3R is correct. For more information, visit our duct leakage testing page.

Air balance testing ensures air is being distributed evenly throughout the building. Read more on our page for Air Balance Testing.

Airflow verifies the minimum required airflow rate of the cooling system, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFMs). For more information read our page on air-conditioning verifications.

To determine fan efficacy on an AC system, the technician must first perform a fan-watt draw test. FWD is an energy consumption test, in which, a fan-watt meter will be attached to the conditioning unit in order to read how much energy it uses to produce airflow. Read more about fan efficacy on our page “Air-Conditioning Verifications.”

Refrigerant charge is triggered when air conditioners are altered by the installation of refrigerant-containing components. Simply put, it’s a verification of how much refrigerant is in the outdoor condenser. Learn more on our page about air-conditioning verifications.

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.

We are licensed by CalCERTS to perform energy efficiency audits. A licensed technician will analyze all features of the building for efficiency. An energy audit provides an opportunity to assess what improvements could be made to make the building more efficient.

Not only will money and resources be saved, but creature comfort will improve. We recommend this test be performed every year. This will identify and prevent major expenses, such as overworked HVAC systems that cause system collapse. To learn more, visit our post about Home Energy Ratings.

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.