Multifamily Energy Code Verification

ECC / HERS Testing for Multifamily Projects in Northern California

Multifamily projects are where the 2025 California Energy Code changes are felt the most.

With the transition from HERS to the ECC Program, multifamily construction now has stricter requirements for ventilation, insulation, duct systems, hot water piping, refrigerant charge, and quality assurance oversight.

Pacific Airflow specializes in ECC / HERS field verification for multifamily construction across Northern California, working directly with builders, HVAC contractors, insulation crews, and project managers to keep large projects moving smoothly toward inspection approval.

Why Multifamily Projects Require Specialized ECC / HERS Support

Multifamily projects are different from single-family homes because:

  • Sampling protocols are heavily scrutinized

  • Ventilation rules changed significantly under the 2025 code

  • Domestic hot water pipe insulation is now a mandatory verification

  • Compartmentalization requirements are stricter

  • Quality Assurance audits occur more frequently

  • Data accuracy and documentation standards are higher under ECC

A small mistake multiplied across 40, 80, or 200 units becomes a major delay.

We help prevent that.

2025 Code Changes That Impact Multifamily

Under the 2025 ECC code, multifamily projects must now comply with:

Ventilation Changes

  • Exhaust-only ventilation is no longer allowed

  • Only supply-only or balanced ventilation systems are permitted

  • Compartmentalization is now required regardless of ventilation type

Domestic Hot Water (NEW Mandatory)

  • All multifamily hot water piping must be verified insulated

Heat Pumps & Refrigerant Verification

  • Heat pump refrigerant charge must be verified in all climate zones

Insulation & Envelope

  • Higher wall insulation standards (R-15 for 2x4, R-21 for 2x6)

  • Stricter window U-factor requirements

  • Blower door testing with new multi-point option

Sampling Rules

  • Sampling is still allowed for new construction, but QA requirements are stricter

  • One QA audit for every 100 dwelling units in a development

  • Providers audit both tested and untested units

ECC / HERS Tests Commonly Required on Multifamily Projects

Pacific Airflow performs all required multifamily field verifications, including:

  • Blower Door Testing (Building Envelope Leakage)

  • Duct Leakage Testing

  • Refrigerant Charge Verification

  • Fan Efficacy (Fan Watt Draw)

  • Quality Insulation Inspection (QII)

  • Domestic Hot Water Pipe Insulation Verification

  • Ventilation System Verification

All testing is registered with the ECC Provider (CHEERS) and accepted by building departments across Northern California.

Preventing Delays on Large Projects

On multifamily projects, delays typically happen because:

  • Ventilation design doesn’t meet new code

  • Insulation installation fails QII

  • Duct systems fail leakage tests repeatedly

  • Refrigerant charge is not set properly on multiple units

  • Sampling documentation is incomplete

  • QA audits uncover data errors

We work directly with crews and site supervisors to catch issues early while they are easy to fix.

Working With Builders, HVAC, and Insulation Contractors

Pacific Airflow acts as a code partner on multifamily projects by:

  • Coordinating testing schedules across many units

  • Helping crews understand what will pass before testing begins

  • Providing fast documentation for inspection

  • Communicating directly with site supervisors and project managers

  • Keeping projects moving instead of creating bottlenecks

Why Builders Choose Pacific Airflow for Multifamily

  • Experienced with large unit counts and sampling protocols

  • Deep understanding of 2025 ECC changes

  • Fast turnaround for documentation

  • Clear communication with job sites

  • Focused on keeping projects inspection-ready

Schedule ECC / HERS Testing for Your Multifamily Project

If you are building or managing a multifamily project in Northern California, ECC / HERS verification will be a critical part of keeping your project on schedule.

Pacific Airflow is your local multifamily ECC / HERS testing partner.

Contact us today to coordinate testing for your project.