Non-Residential Energy Code Verification

ECC / HERS Testing for Commercial Projects in Northern California

Non-residential projects still require field verification under the California Energy Code, but under the 2025 ECC program, some responsibilities have shifted and documentation standards have become stricter.

Pacific Airflow provides ECC / HERS field verification for light commercial and non-residential projects throughout Northern California, helping contractors and project managers meet energy code requirements without delays.

What Changed in 2025 for Non-Residential Projects

One of the most important changes under the 2025 code:

ECC Raters no longer verify duct leakage on non-residential projects.

Duct leakage testing for non-residential systems must now be performed by:

Acceptance Test Technicians (ATT)

This is a major change from previous code cycles and often misunderstood on job sites.

Pacific Airflow works alongside ATT providers to ensure the rest of the required ECC verifications are handled correctly and documented for inspection.

ECC / HERS Tests Still Required on Non-Residential Projects

While duct leakage moved to ATT, many other field verifications still require an ECC / HERS Rater, including:

  • Fan Efficacy (Fan Watt Draw)

  • Blower Door / Envelope Leakage (where applicable)

  • Quality Insulation Inspection (QII)

  • Refrigerant Charge Verification for qualifying systems

  • Ventilation verification

  • Documentation required for permit final

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

Why Non-Residential Projects Need Coordinated Testing

Commercial projects often involve:

  • Multiple trades working simultaneously

  • Complex duct and ventilation layouts

  • Tight construction schedules

  • Separate responsibilities between ECC Raters and ATT testers

  • Stricter documentation requirements under ECC

Miscommunication between trades is one of the biggest causes of failed inspections.

We help prevent that.

Working With General Contractors, HVAC, and ATT Providers

Pacific Airflow acts as a coordination partner on non-residential projects by:

  • Clarifying which tests fall under ECC and which fall under ATT

  • Scheduling testing at the right stage of construction

  • Providing fast documentation for inspection

  • Communicating directly with site supervisors and project managers

  • Helping identify issues before they become inspection failures

Common Issues We Help Avoid

  • Contractors expecting ECC Raters to perform duct leakage (no longer allowed)

  • Fan systems failing efficacy due to poor duct design

  • Insulation installation failing QII before drywall

  • Refrigerant charge not verified correctly on applicable systems

  • Missing ECC documentation for permit final

Serving Northern California Commercial Projects

Pacific Airflow provides ECC / HERS verification for:

  • Office buildings

  • Mixed-use developments

  • Retail spaces

  • Light commercial construction

  • Tenant improvements where required

  • Additions and alterations triggering energy code compliance

Schedule ECC / HERS Testing for Your Non-Residential Project

If your project requires energy code verification, knowing which tests are ECC and which are ATT is critical under the 2025 code.

Pacific Airflow is your local ECC / HERS testing partner for non-residential projects across Northern California.

Contact us today to coordinate testing for your project.