Homeowners

In California, obtaining a permit and an independent inspection by a certified Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Rater isn’t just a recommendation – it’s the law. Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling, or replacing your HVAC system, these steps ensure your project meet cost-saving energy efficiency standards.

Homeowners requested to sign up with CHEERS can use a single Homeowner account with two levels of access:

CF1R Sign-Off (Design Documents) – No project access fee

CF2R Sign-off (Installation Documents) – One time project access fee ($25)

REGISTER

A permit and independent ECC testing are required
when making changes to your home’s HVAC system

Find a Pro and get it done right!

The average California home HVAC system leaks 30% of the conditioned air into areas other than living space. To combat this massive energy loss, the State of California requires HVAC replacements to be:

  • Permitted at the local Building Department
  • Installed by a licensed HVAC contractor
  • Tested and verified by an independent ECC Rater
FIND A PRO

Below is a summary of the process and who is responsible:

Step 1 – Document

  • Register project with CHEERS
  • Get permit at local Building Dept

Responsibility: HVAC Contractor

Step 2 – Install

  • Install new HVAC system
  • Schedule ECC Rater for testing

Responsibility: HVAC Contractor

Step 3 – Verify

  • 3rd party testing & verification
  • Complete CHEERS Project Status Report

Responsibility: ECC Rater

Project Documents You Should Receive:

Consumer Information Form

Why the Consumer Information Form Matters

A Consumer Information Form (CIF) must be completed before any Energy Code Compliance (ECC) field verification or diagnostic testing begins on a project. The CIF explains the ECC Program, the testing that will occur, and who is responsible for performing that work. A CIF ensures the property owner understands:

  • What the ECC Program is and why it matters
  • What CHEERS is and the role of an independent ECC Rater
  • What field verification and diagnostic testing will occur on the project
  • The rights of the property owner

Project Owner Report

Why the Project Owner Report Matters

A Project Owner Report (POR) is provided at the completion of every Energy Code Compliance (ECC) project after field verification and diagnostic testing (FV&DT) have been completed. The POR summarizes the work performed, the results of testing, and the services and costs associated with the project. A POR ensures the property owner understands:

  • Which ECC Rater Company performed the FV&DT
  • The results of the FV&DT
  • The services performed and the associated costs for the project

Project Status Report

Risks of not getting a CHEERS Project Status Report

A CHEERS Project Status Report (PSR) is available only after a project has passed verification and testing by an independent ECC Rater. If you are working with a contractor who does not pull a permit or use an ECC Rater for final testing, your contractor is breaking the law. Unpermitted and untested HVAC projects:

  • Do not comply with local and state building codes
  • May not be properly installed or operating efficiently
  • Increase utility bills and reduce indoor air quality
  • Potentially lower home resale value and jeopardize future insurance coverage and rates

Frequently asked questions

Your energy consultant or rater can confirm which document types your project requires.

The fee is required only when you need to sign installation documents (CF2Rs).

The fee is per project, not per document.

No. There is no charge for signing a CF1R.

Yes. You can pay the one-time fee at any time if CF2Rs require your signature.