Short answer: A Title 24 report is prepared from your plans before the permit and shows the design meets California's energy code. A HERS report comes later: a HERS rater tests and verifies specific installed features in the field. You always need the Title 24 report for the permit. You need HERS verification only if the report flags measures that require it.
Title 24 and HERS come up together in the California permit process and are frequently confused. They serve different functions at different stages of construction.
Title 24 vs HERS at a Glance
| Title 24 report | HERS report | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Shows the design meets the Title 24, Part 6 energy standards | Verifies that specific installed measures perform as the report assumed |
| Timing | Before construction, at permit application | During and after construction, before final inspection |
| Who does it | An energy consultant, using CEC-approved compliance software | A HERS rater (called ECC verification under the 2025 code cycle) |
| Based on | Your plans and project details | Site visits, diagnostic tests and visual inspection |
| Documents | CF1R for homes and ADUs, LMCC for low-rise multifamily | CF3R Certificate of Verification |
| What you receive | A permit-ready PDF for your building department | Registered verification records the inspector checks at final |
| Always required? | Yes, for projects that trigger Title 24 | Only when the CF1R lists measures that need verification |
Title 24 Report
A Title 24 energy compliance report models your building in CEC-approved compliance software and shows that the design meets California's energy efficiency standards. It is submitted to the building department with your permit application, before construction begins. This is what Title24Comply provides. See what a Title 24 report is for more detail.
HERS Field Verification
HERS refers to the field verification process during and after construction. A HERS rater visits the job site to check that what was built matches what was modeled, and runs tests such as duct leakage or refrigerant charge. The installer completes CF2R installation forms, the rater completes CF3R verification forms, and where registration is required both are registered with a data registry such as CHEERS. For a full explanation, see what a HERS report is.
Do I Need Both?
You always need the Title 24 report for projects that trigger the energy code. Whether you also need HERS verification depends on your project and the compliance measures selected. New homes, ADUs and HVAC replacements commonly include verified measures. The CF1R lists every item that needs verification, so you will know before construction starts.
Title24Comply prepares the Title 24 report only. If your project needs HERS verification, you arrange it separately with a HERS rater.
Typical Timeline
- Before permit: order the Title 24 report. Title24Comply's standard turnaround is 2–3 business days, with rush options.
- Permit submittal: the report goes to the building department with your plans.
- During construction: the installer completes CF2R forms, and the rater performs any early checks, such as insulation before drywall.
- Before final inspection: the HERS rater completes testing and registers the CF3R forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a HERS report the same as a Title 24 report?
No. The Title 24 report is a plan-stage compliance document. The HERS report is a field verification record created after installation.
Which comes first?
The Title 24 report. HERS verification relies on the measures that report lists.
Can I order a Title 24 report now?
Yes. Upload your plans online and choose your report type. See how long it takes.