CF1R Guide
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCECalifornia Title 24 · 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards
CF1R-PRF-01E
Interactive HERS Rater Reference
Interactive HERS Rater Reference
Click any bullet item to expand explanation, code section, and verification details.
ENERGY DESIGN RATING BATTERY INPUTS
| 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Control | Capacity (kWh) | Charging Efficiency | Rate (kW)Rate (kW) | Discharging Efficiency | Rate (kW)Rate (kW) |
| Basic | 10 | 0.95 | n/a | 0.95 | n/a |
What it isA battery energy storage system (BESS) modeled in the Title 24 energy analysis to achieve compliance.
Why it mattersIf a battery was used to achieve compliance, it must be installed as specified. A smaller system voids the compliance calculation.
Code section§150.1(c)15 Appendix A
Verified byHERS Rater confirms battery installed and matches CF1R capacity (kWh) and control type.
REQUIRED SPECIAL FEATURES
The following are features that must be installed as condition for meeting the modeled energy performance for this computer analysis.
What it isA balanced ventilation system (ERV or HRV) supplying and exhausting equal amounts of air, maintaining neutral pressure while ensuring fresh air exchange.
Why it mattersBalanced systems prevent moisture and pressure problems. With heat recovery, they recapture 50–80% of energy from exhaust air.
Code section§150.0(o)1 RA3.7.3
Verified byHERS Rater measures supply and exhaust CFM, confirms balance %, verifies SRE/ASRE ratings meet CF1R minimums.
What it isThe ventilation fan must not exceed this watt draw per CFM — the fan efficacy limit specified in this CF1R.
Why it mattersAn inefficient fan running continuously wastes energy. This limit ensures the ventilation system doesn't become a major energy drain.
Code section§150.0(o)1B RA3.7.3.3
Verified byHERS Rater measures watt draw and CFM. Efficacy = W ÷ CFM must be ≤ CF1R value.
What it isSRE (Sensible Recovery Efficiency) and ASRE (Adjusted SRE) measure how effectively an ERV/HRV transfers heat between supply and exhaust air streams.
Why it mattersHigher SRE/ASRE = less energy wasted conditioning incoming fresh air. Installed equipment must meet or exceed these minimums.
Code section§150.0(o)1D RA3.7.3
Verified byHERS Rater confirms ERV/HRV SRE and ASRE ratings from manufacturer specs meet CF1R minimums.
What it isAbove-code ceiling insulation required to achieve the modeled energy performance. CF1R specifies the required R-value.
Why it mattersCeiling is the largest surface for heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Higher R-values have an outsized impact on energy use.
Code section§150.1(c)1 RA3.5
Verified byHERS Rater verifies R-value and coverage before final cover. CF2R-ENV-20-H.
What it isExterior insulation above the roof deck eliminating thermal bridging through framing members.
Why it mattersAchieves higher effective R-values and significantly reduces summer heat gain.
Code section§150.1(c)1 RA3.5
Verified byHERS Rater verifies placement and R-value before final cover.
What it isHorizontal overhangs or vertical fins on windows providing shading, reducing solar heat gain in summer while allowing winter sun.
Why it mattersThe energy model assumed specific overhang dimensions. If not built as modeled, the home's cooling load will exceed the compliance calculation.
Code section§150.1(c)3 CF1R fenestration schedule
Verified byHERS Rater documents overhang depth and height per CF1R fenestration schedule.
HERS FEATURE SUMMARY
The following is a summary of the features that must be field-verified by a certified HERS Rater as a condition for meeting the modeled energy performance for this computer analysis. Additional detail is provided in the building tables below. Registered CF2Rs and CF3Rs are required to be completed in the HERS Registry.
Building-level Verifications:
What it isRigorous installation standard requiring complete coverage, correct R-value, no gaps, voids, or compression. Verified before drywall.
Why it mattersPoor installation cuts insulation effectiveness by 30–50%. QII ensures you get the R-value you paid for.
Code sectionRA3.5 §150.1(c)1
Verified byHERS Rater visual inspection before drywall. CF2R-ENV-20-H.
EXHAUST-ONLY (most common)
What it isA continuously operating exhaust fan removing stale indoor air and drawing fresh air in through the building envelope.
Requirements• Minimum CFM per CF1R IAQ Fans table
• Maximum fan efficacy: ≤ 0.35 W/CFM
• Maximum sound rating: ≤ 1.0 sone
• Rated for continuous 24-hour operation
• Manual switch required — labeled as whole-house ventilation fan
• Must be ducted to outdoors Code section§150.0(o) RA3.7.3 RA3.7.4 Verified byHERS Rater measures exhaust CFM — must meet or exceed CF1R required ventilation rate. CF2R-IAQ-xx-H.
• Maximum fan efficacy: ≤ 0.35 W/CFM
• Maximum sound rating: ≤ 1.0 sone
• Rated for continuous 24-hour operation
• Manual switch required — labeled as whole-house ventilation fan
• Must be ducted to outdoors Code section§150.0(o) RA3.7.3 RA3.7.4 Verified byHERS Rater measures exhaust CFM — must meet or exceed CF1R required ventilation rate. CF2R-IAQ-xx-H.
BALANCED / ERV / HRV
What it isA system that supplies and exhausts equal amounts of air. ERV/HRV also transfers heat between supply and exhaust streams, recovering energy that would otherwise be lost.
Requirements• Supply and exhaust airflows within 20% (balanced)
• Fan efficacy: ≤ 0.6 W/CFM
• SRE and ASRE must meet or exceed CF1R minimums
• Rated for continuous 24-hour operation
• Fault Indicator Display (FID) required if specified on CF1R Code section§150.0(o)1 RA3.7.3 RA3.7.4.4 Verified byHERS Rater measures supply and exhaust CFM, confirms balance %, verifies SRE/ASRE and fan efficacy. CF2R-IAQ-xx-H.
• Fan efficacy: ≤ 0.6 W/CFM
• SRE and ASRE must meet or exceed CF1R minimums
• Rated for continuous 24-hour operation
• Fault Indicator Display (FID) required if specified on CF1R Code section§150.0(o)1 RA3.7.3 RA3.7.4.4 Verified byHERS Rater measures supply and exhaust CFM, confirms balance %, verifies SRE/ASRE and fan efficacy. CF2R-IAQ-xx-H.
Most common failure: Hood is sold and installed in California but is NOT listed in the HVI or AHAM certified products directory. Manufacturer-published CFM is NOT used for verification — only the HVI or AHAM rated CFM counts.
What it isA vented kitchen exhaust hood meeting minimum airflow, maximum noise, and certification requirements. Must exhaust to outdoors — recirculating hoods do not comply.
CertificationMust be listed in HVI or AHAM certified products directory.
• HVI: hvi.org/hvi-certified-products-directory/
• AHAM: aham.org CFM requiredMinimum airflow per Table 150.0-G by CFA and fuel type. HVI/AHAM rated CFM only.
• HVI: hvi.org/hvi-certified-products-directory/
• AHAM: aham.org CFM requiredMinimum airflow per Table 150.0-G by CFA and fuel type. HVI/AHAM rated CFM only.
| CFA (sq ft) | Electric Range Min CFM | Gas Range Min CFM |
|---|---|---|
| < 750 | 160 | 280 |
| 750 – 1,000 | 130 | 280 |
| > 1,000 – 1,500 | 110 | 250 |
| > 1,500 | 110 | 180 |
Table 150.0-G · HVI/AHAM rated CFM only. ADU CFA used for ADUs — not total building CFA.
Sone ratingMaximum 3.0 sones at working speed. Waived only if minimum fan setting exceeds 400 CFM.
Low speed CFMMinimum 100 CFM at the lowest fan speed setting.
What won't pass• Recirculating/ductless hoods
• Hood not in HVI or AHAM directory
• HVI/AHAM rated CFM below required minimum
• Sone rating exceeds 3.0 at working speed
• Lowest fan speed below 100 CFM Code section§150.0(o)1G Table 150.0-G RA3.7.4.3 Verified byHERS Rater photographs model number, looks up HVI or AHAM directory, confirms rated CFM and sone rating. CF2R-IAQ-xx-H.
• Hood not in HVI or AHAM directory
• HVI/AHAM rated CFM below required minimum
• Sone rating exceeds 3.0 at working speed
• Lowest fan speed below 100 CFM Code section§150.0(o)1G Table 150.0-G RA3.7.4.3 Verified byHERS Rater photographs model number, looks up HVI or AHAM directory, confirms rated CFM and sone rating. CF2R-IAQ-xx-H.
What it isSpray polyurethane foam providing both high R-value and air sealing. Required where specified on CF1R.
Why it mattersSPF achieves higher R-values per inch than batt insulation and eliminates air infiltration simultaneously.
Code section§150.1(c)1 RA3.5
Verified byHERS Rater verifies product R-value per inch and coverage meets CF1R specification. CF2R-ENV-20-H.
Cooling System Verifications:
What it isThe HVAC system must deliver a minimum airflow per ton of nominal cooling capacity, measured by HERS Rater using a flow hood, flow grid, or static pressure probe per RA3.3.
| Project Type | System Type | Min Airflow |
|---|---|---|
| New Construction | Standard ducted | 350 CFM/ton |
| New Construction | Small duct high-velocity | 250 CFM/ton |
| Alteration | Standard ducted | 300 CFM/ton |
| Alteration | Small duct high-velocity | 250 CFM/ton |
⚠ NEW CONSTRUCTION — NO EXCEPTIONS. 350 CFM/ton is mandatory. There is no alternative compliance path for new construction airflow.
Alterations — exemptions• Heating-only systems — no airflow verification required
• Previously sealed duct systems registered with a HERS provider
• Systems unable to meet 300 CFM/ton — alternative procedure RA3.3.3.1.5 with thermostat per §110.12
• Asbestos duct systems Code section§150.0(m)13 §150.2(b)1F RA3.3 Verified byHERS Rater measures system airflow. CF2R-MCH-23-H.
• Previously sealed duct systems registered with a HERS provider
• Systems unable to meet 300 CFM/ton — alternative procedure RA3.3.3.1.5 with thermostat per §110.12
• Asbestos duct systems Code section§150.0(m)13 §150.2(b)1F RA3.3 Verified byHERS Rater measures system airflow. CF2R-MCH-23-H.
What it isEnergy Efficiency Ratio — installed cooling equipment must match or exceed the EER specified on the CF1R.
Why it mattersEER measures peak cooling efficiency. Lower-rated equipment voids compliance and increases electricity costs.
Code section§150.1(c)13 RA3.4.3
Verified byHERS Rater confirms model number vs AHRI directory. CF2R-MCH-23-H.
What it isSeasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio — measures cooling efficiency over a full season. Must meet or exceed CF1R value.
Why it mattersHigher SEER = lower electricity bills all summer. The compliance calculation assumed this efficiency level.
Code section§150.1(c)13 RA3.4.3
Verified byHERS Rater confirms model number vs AHRI directory. CF2R-MCH-23-H.
⚠ MINI-SPLITS AND MOST HEAT PUMP INSTALLS REQUIRE HERS RATER WITNESSED EVACUATION, DECAY TEST, AND WEIGH-IN.
The HERS Rater must be physically present. Calling after the install is one of the most common compliance failures. Remote or after-the-fact verification is not permitted.
The HERS Rater must be physically present. Calling after the install is one of the most common compliance failures. Remote or after-the-fact verification is not permitted.
What it isVerification that the correct amount of refrigerant has been installed. For mini-splits and inverter heat pumps this is a rater-witnessed weigh-in. For conventional AC/furnace systems, superheat and subcooling measurements may be used.
Why it mattersAn incorrectly charged system can lose 5–20% of its rated efficiency, shorten equipment life, and cause compressor failure.
Installer must provide before the weigh-in begins:
• Factory charge (lbs and oz) — from equipment nameplate
• Factory line set length (ft) — length the factory charge is designed for
• Actual installed line set length (ft) — must be measured, not estimated
• Liquid line diameter — from equipment specs or nameplate
• Charge correction rate (oz/ft) — from manufacturer's installation manual
• Factory charge (lbs and oz) — from equipment nameplate
• Factory line set length (ft) — length the factory charge is designed for
• Actual installed line set length (ft) — must be measured, not estimated
• Liquid line diameter — from equipment specs or nameplate
• Charge correction rate (oz/ft) — from manufacturer's installation manual
Subcooling / SuperheatFor conventional (non-inverter) AC systems, refrigerant charge may be verified using superheat and subcooling measurements per the manufacturer's charging chart.
Code sectionRA3.2 §150.1(c)13
Verified byHERS Rater must be physically present and witness evacuation, decay test, and weigh-in. CF2R-MCH-25-H.
What it isBlower fan must not exceed maximum watt draw per CFM. Heat pump: ≤0.58 W/CFM. Gas furnace/FAU: ≤0.45 W/CFM.
Why it mattersInefficient blower motors waste significant energy. Efficient motors reduce HVAC energy use by 15–25%.
Code section§150.1(c)13C RA3.3.3
Verified byHERS Rater measures watt draw and airflow. Efficacy = W ÷ CFM. CF2R-MCH-23-H.
Heating System Verifications:
What it isHeating Seasonal Performance Factor — installed heat pump must meet or exceed the HSPF2 rating on the CF1R.
Why it mattersHSPF measures heating efficiency over a full season. Higher HSPF = lower heating bills.
Code section§150.1(c)13 RA3.4.3
Verified byHERS Rater confirms HSPF2 via AHRI directory. CF2R-MCH-23-H.
Critical: Capacity must be verified using the AHRI directory (ahridirectory.org) — not the equipment nameplate, manufacturer specs, or submittal sheets.
⚠ MISMATCHED SYSTEMS ARE NOT LISTED IN THE AHRI DIRECTORY.
If the outdoor condenser and indoor air handler are not a tested and certified combination, they will not appear in the AHRI directory and cannot be verified. This is a compliance failure that will result in the replacement of the system with a compliant system.
If the outdoor condenser and indoor air handler are not a tested and certified combination, they will not appear in the AHRI directory and cannot be verified. This is a compliance failure that will result in the replacement of the system with a compliant system.
What it isThe installed heat pump must deliver the heating capacity (BTU/hr) specified on the CF1R at both 47°F and 17°F outdoor temperatures.
Why 47°F and 17°F47°F represents typical heating season performance. 17°F represents cold weather capacity — an undersized heat pump at 17°F relies heavily on expensive backup heat strips.
AHRI verification1. Look up outdoor + indoor unit combination at ahridirectory.org
2. Confirm AHRI certified capacity at 47°F ≥ CF1R required
3. Confirm AHRI certified capacity at 17°F ≥ CF1R required
4. If not listed → system must be replaced Common failureContractor installs Brand A outdoor unit with Brand B indoor air handler. Even if both are high quality, the combination is not tested together, will not appear in AHRI, and must be replaced with a compliant matched system. Code sectionRA3.4.3.2 §150.1(c)14 Verified byHERS Rater confirms AHRI certified capacity for the matched system at 47°F and 17°F vs CF1R required BTU/hr. CF2R-MCH-23-H.
2. Confirm AHRI certified capacity at 47°F ≥ CF1R required
3. Confirm AHRI certified capacity at 17°F ≥ CF1R required
4. If not listed → system must be replaced Common failureContractor installs Brand A outdoor unit with Brand B indoor air handler. Even if both are high quality, the combination is not tested together, will not appear in AHRI, and must be replaced with a compliant matched system. Code sectionRA3.4.3.2 §150.1(c)14 Verified byHERS Rater confirms AHRI certified capacity for the matched system at 47°F and 17°F vs CF1R required BTU/hr. CF2R-MCH-23-H.
HVAC Distribution System Verifications:
What it isDuct system pressurized and measured for air leakage. Must not exceed CFM25 leakage limit on the CF1R (typically 5–15% of CFA).
Why it mattersLeaky ducts in unconditioned spaces waste 25–40% of heating and cooling energy. One of the highest-impact efficiency measures available.
Code section§150.1(c)13D RA3.1.4
Verified byHERS Rater uses duct blaster to measure CFM25 leakage. CF2R-MCH-20-H.
DefinitionPer §100.1: Directly conditioned space is an enclosed space provided with mechanical heating exceeding 10 Btu/hr-ft² or mechanical cooling exceeding 5 Btu/hr-ft².
What it isAll supply and return ducts, the air handler, and plenums must be located entirely within directly conditioned space — not in the attic, garage, crawlspace, or any unconditioned area.
Why it mattersDucts running through a hot attic in summer lose cool air before it reaches your rooms. If any part of the duct system is outside directly conditioned space, the system does not pass.
In plain termsAn attic or garage does not qualify as directly conditioned space unless it has been brought inside the thermal and air barrier envelope — sealed, insulated, and actively heated or cooled to the defined threshold.
Code section§100.1 (definition) RA3.1.4.1.3 (verification)
Verified byHERS Rater visual inspection confirms all ducts, air handler, and plenum are entirely within directly conditioned space. CF2R-MCH-20-H.
Domestic Hot Water System Verifications:
Document verified through CHEERS™ · California's Home Energy Efficiency Rating Service