ECC Rater vs HERS Rater: Which Do You Need?
ECC Rater vs HERS Rater: Which Do You Need?
If you're starting a California construction project in 2026, you may have heard that HERS raters are being replaced by ECC raters. This change stems from California's new 2025 Energy Code, which replaced the Home Energy Rating System program with the Energy Code Compliance program effective January 1, 2026.
What Is a HERS Rater?
A HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rater is a certified field verifier who inspects and tests residential buildings to confirm that energy systems comply with California's Title 24 standards.
What Is an ECC Rater?
An ECC (Energy Code Compliance) rater performs the same fundamental role as a HERS rater but under the new program framework established by the 2025 California Energy Code.
Which Do You Need?
The answer depends on when your permit was pulled. Projects permitted under the 2022 Energy Code continue to use HERS verification. Projects permitted under the 2025 Energy Code require ECC verification.