Title 24 and HERS are two terms that come up together in the California permit process, and they are frequently confused. They are not the same thing — they serve different functions at different stages of construction.
Title 24 Report
A Title 24 energy compliance report (CF1R for residential, LMCC for multifamily) is a document prepared before construction by a certified energy analyst. It models your building in CEC-approved compliance software and demonstrates that your design meets California's energy efficiency standards. It is submitted to the building department at permit application — before any construction begins. This is what Title24Comply provides.
HERS — Home Energy Rating System
HERS refers to the field verification process that happens during and after construction. A certified HERS rater visits your job site to verify that what was actually built matches what was modeled in your Title 24 compliance report. The HERS rater submits field verification forms (CF2R and CF3R) to the building department as part of the final inspection process.
Do I need both?
You always need the Title 24 report (for permits). Whether you need HERS field verification depends on your project and the compliance measures selected. Certain efficiency pathways — like specific HVAC systems or insulation details — trigger HERS verification requirements. Your energy analyst will note HERS requirements on your CF1R.
Timeline
- Title 24 report — required BEFORE permit submittal
- HERS verification — required AFTER / DURING construction, before final inspection