HERS & Energy Code Resources (2026)

1. Official Project Registries

These are the only websites where your CF1R, CF2R, and CF3R forms can be officially registered.

WARNING CalCERTS Alert: As of late 2024, CalCERTS has ceased operations. Avoid any websites claiming to be CalCERTS, as they are no longer authorized by the state.

  • CHEERS: Currently the only approved registry in California for residential and non-residential energy code compliance (ECC/HERS).

  • California Energy Commission (CEC) Registry List: The official state list of approved providers to ensure you are using a legitimate service.

2. Educational & Compliance Tools

If you need to look up a specific requirement or want to see a "plain English" explanation of a test, these are the best sources.

  • Energy Code Ace: The gold standard for free tools, training, and "Fact Sheets." They have a "Resources Ace" section with PDF guides for almost every HERS/ECC measure.

  • 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards: The official home of the California Energy Code. Use this for the most technical, "straight from the source" manuals.

  • Blueprint Newsletter: A quarterly publication by the CEC that clarifies common "gray areas" in energy code enforcement.

Key Information

  • The 2025 Code: Projects with permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, must follow the 2025 Energy Code.

  • HERS vs. ECC: Don't be confused if you see the term "ECC" (Energy Code Compliance) replacing "HERS" on newer documents. They refer to the same third-party verification process.

Downloadable Resources