Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL FAQ

  • How do I get a report registered? You will need to review and approve your unofficial report in writing via email. Once you have approved the report, we will upload it into CalCerts, the HERS registry, and it will be ready for designer/architect sign off. Once the designer/architect signs off, please let us know and we will generate the official report. You will need to have a CalCerts account in order to sign off.
  • How do I create a CalCerts account? You will visit www.calcerts.com and click “register” in the top right hand corner of the webpage. From there you will register as your respective title and complete the steps.
  • What is a CF1R, CF2R and CF3R? THe CF1R is the Title 24 Energy Compliance Report. The CF2R is filled out by the installing contractor(s). The CF3rs are the HERS testing forms filed out by the project HERS rater.
  • What if I need to make changes to my report? You will need to visit our website and “submit plan revisions”. You will fill out the form on our website, provide details on the modifications and attach any supplemental information like plan check comments, design changes, spec sheets, etc. Be sure to include the project address and project number.  Projects that have design changes will require a new report.
  • What is CalCerts? CalCerts is a HERS provider and they provide the QA and training for HERS raters. Projects that require HERS testing will need to be registered with CalCerts and all CF-2R and CF-3R forms are filled out and downloaded from the CalCerts website.
  • How do I check the status of my report? Please email title24@yahoo.com to request a status update on your project. Please keep in mind it takes about 3 business days to complete your report. If your project is more than one residential building this time frame could take longer.

TITLE 24 FAQ

  • Why can’t I use a gas water heater? Gas tankless water heaters can still be used for remodels, additions, and conversions. New construction will require compliance with a heat pump type water heater.  Gas tankless can still be used but will require some more significant tradeoffs to get it into compliance.
  • Why can’t I use an electric water heater if I am installing solar? Solar PV is not a trade off against using a standard electric water heater. A standard electric system can be used if solar water heating is also installed.  Otherwise, a heat pump electric water heater is the standard.
  • Why does new construction need to be all-electric? The code baseline for 2022 energy code is to show all electric with heat pump systems for HVAC and water heating. Some jurisdictions require all electric and no gas is allowed at all.  Please consult your local building department.
  • What trade-offs are needed to use a gas water heater over a heat pump water heater? Depending on the climate zone, new construction wanting to use gas water heating will need to meet the minimum baselines for envelope, and HVAC and will require additional tradeoffs from there.
  • How do I know what efficiency minimums I need to meet? The RMS-1 page of the report provides the most critical summary of information for the equipment and products to use for the project. This includes minimum efficiency values for insulation, windows, HVAC equipment, and water heater systems.
  • Do I need to do the radiant barrier or can I meet the R-value a different way? Whether you need to install a radiant barrier or not depends on various factors such as building design, climate zone, and specific local code requirements. Radiant barriers are effective in reducing radiant heat transfer, especially in hot climates, but they may not always be mandatory.

HERS TESTING FAQ

  • What areas do you service for HERS testing? We serve San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara County.
  • When should I schedule my HERS test site visit? Most HERS verifications will be done at final to ensure that registers are on, boots sealed, power is on and the systems are operational. However Quality Insulation Installation (QII) and Verified Pipe Insulation requirements will need to be met before drywall goes up and after insulation is installed.
  • How do I know what HERS verifications are required for my project? Please refer to your Title 24 Report under the HERS Feature Summary to find out what verifications will be required. This is typically on page 3 of the report.
  • How do I obtain my certificates of compliance CF3Rs? The Certificate of Compliance forms (CF3Rs) are issued after our technician has completed the verifications after visiting the job site. Once we get the results, we will input them into CalCerts and generate the CF3R forms you will use for final. We will need to attach you as the builder or homeowner to the project so make sure you create a CalCerts account and provide that information to us. In order to obtain your CF3Rs we will need payment in full.
  • What if my project doesn’t pass? We will need to make a second site visit which will incur a fee. We recommend for any projects that don’t pass consult with your HVAC contractor or project manager to resolve the issue.
  • What if Greenpoint is required for my project? If your project is in San Luis Obispo county jurisdiction and > 2,500 sqft you will be subject to GreenPoint verification.
  • Can I remove certain HERS features? Some HERS verifications are required based on the California Energy Code. Our reports have the absolute minimum required HERS testing. In an event where you need to remove HERS testing that was used as a credit for compliance, certain tradeoffs will be required.
  • I am a HERS rater and need a project transferred. You can email us for project transfers or you can request a project transfer directly in CalCerts.