Duct Leak Test
A HERS rater pressurizes your ducts and measures how much air escapes. Tight ducts pass. Leaky ducts must be sealed before the inspector signs off.
HERS Rating and HVAC — Sacramento
Hers Rating Hvac Sacramento
California law requires a HERS check on most new HVAC setups. Most homeowners find out at the permit stage when it is too late to shop around.
Why Alex's Cleaning Service?
Book nowWhole-home cleaningDeep cleans, move-ins, move-outs, and upkeep.
3-4 person crewA professional team comes to each visit.
490+ reviews (4.9★ on Google)4.9 average rating across public profiles.
Tucson AreaRoutes from Oro Valley to Vail, Sahuarita, and nearby.
HERS Rating and HVAC Setup in Sacramento
California Title 24 requires a third-party HERS rater to verify new HVAC setups in most permitted jobs. The rater tests duct leaks, coolant charge, and airflow. This adds $200 to $500 to your project cost. Fresh Air sets up the HERS rater as part of every permitted job. No surprise fees after you sign.
Refrigerant Charge Verify
The rater checks that the coolant charge matches the unit spec. An overcharged or undercharged unit fails Title 24 and must be corrected.
Fresh Air Coordinates the Rater
We set up the HERS rater as part of your job. You do not have to find one or schedule the visit. It is built into our process at no added markup.
When HERS Testing Is Required in Sacramento
- New HVAC unit setup in an existing home with a permit.
- Full system swap where the air handler or coil is replaced.
- New duct work or major duct changes as part of the job.
- ADU or home addition with new HVAC tied to the permit.
- Any job where the county inspector requires Title 24 compliance forms.
What HERS Testing Costs and Why It Is Worth Knowing Upfront
HERS duct leak tests run $250 to $400. Coolant charge checks run about $250. If both are needed, plan for $400 to $600 total rater cost. Some jobs need more tests. Ask your contractor to show you the HERS line item before you sign the contract so there are no surprises.
Title 24 rules that took effect January 1, 2026 changed how HERS testing is tracked in California. The old HERS program was retired. Tests now follow the 2025 California Energy Code directly. Fresh Air stays current on these rules and includes all HERS coordination in our permit process. We hold CSLB #945361 and have handled permitted jobs in Sacramento since 2009.
Sources
- Title 24 California HERS — title24express.com (checked June 15, 2026)
- How Much Does HERS Testing Cost — title24energy.com (checked June 15, 2026)
- Home Energy Rating System HERS Program — energy.ca.gov (checked June 15, 2026)
Hers Rating Hvac Sacramento FAQ
Is HERS testing required for all HVAC jobs in Sacramento?
Most permitted jobs require it. Unit-for-unit swaps on existing ducts may have limited requirements. Ask us at your estimate.
Who schedules the HERS rater?
Fresh Air handles this. We include HERS rater setup in every permitted job so you do not have to find and book a rater on your own.
How much does HERS testing add to my project cost?
A duct test runs $250 to $400. A coolant charge check is about $250. Combined, plan for $400 to $600. We show you this number before you sign.
What happens if my ducts fail the HERS test?
We seal the ducts and re-test. Sealing is done before the rater leaves or we return to finish. The job does not close out until the test passes.
Get a Free Estimate That Includes HERS Coordination
Call Fresh Air at (916) 416-8181 or use our contact page. We serve Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, and the greater Sacramento Valley. Free in-home estimate. Licensed CSLB #945361.