You’ve just invested thousands in a brand-new, high-efficiency HVAC system. The SEER2 rating is top-tier, the brand is reputable, and you’re expecting your utility bills to plummet. But a few months later, the house feels unevenly cooled, and your energy bill is higher than ever.
What went wrong? According to California energy studies, improper installation can reduce HVAC efficiency by up to 30%. In the San Diego heat, that is a loss you simply can’t afford. At Grizzly HERS Testing, we see these “invisible” efficiency killers every day. Here is a breakdown of why your new system might be underperforming and how HERS diagnostics can save your investment.
The Efficiency Killers: Where Your Money is Leaking
Even the most expensive HVAC unit is only as good as the system it’s connected to. Under the 2025 Energy Code, three main factors determine whether your system actually delivers on its efficiency promises.
Duct Leakage: The Silent Thief
Imagine trying to drink through a straw with holes in it. That is exactly what happens when your ductwork isn’t properly sealed. In many older San Diego homes, up to 25% of conditioned air escapes into the attic or crawlspace before it ever reaches your living room.
The Result: Your AC runs longer to reach the thermostat setting, skyrocketing your monthly bill.
Incorrect Refrigerant Charge
Refrigerant is the “blood” of your AC system. If the charge is too low, the system can’t remove heat effectively; if it’s too high, it can damage the compressor.
The Result: Shortened equipment lifespan and a significant drop in cooling capacity.
Airflow Imbalances
If your ducts are undersized or restricted, your blower motor has to work twice as hard to move air. This “static pressure” not only wastes electricity but also leads to inconsistent temperatures throughout the house.
The Result: That one “hot bedroom” that never seems to get cool, no matter how low you set the air.
How HERS Testing Identifies the Invisible
Under California’s Title 24 requirements, a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) or ECC (Energy Code Compliance) test isn’t just a bureaucratic hurdle; it’s your best defense against a bad installation.
When a Grizzly HERS rater arrives at your home, we use precision technology to find exactly where the losses are happening:
Duct Blaster Testing: We pressurize your ductwork to measure exactly how much air is leaking.
Refrigerant Charge Verification (RCV): We use digital gauges to ensure your system is charged to the manufacturer’s exact specifications.
Fan Efficacy & Airflow: We measure the “watts per CFM” to ensure your motor isn’t burning through cash just to move air.
Actionable Advice for Homeowners and Contractors
For Homeowners:
- Don't Skip the Permit: A permit triggers the mandatory HERS test. Without that third-party verification, you have no way of knowing if the installation was done right.
- Ask for the Duct Seal: If you replace an AC unit but keep existing ducts, ask your contractor to seal the system to meet the 10% (or lower) leakage standard required for single-family homes.
For Contractors:
- Size it Right: Avoid "rule of thumb" sizing. Use Manual J calculations to ensure the equipment matches the home's actual load.
- Early Coordination: Work with Grizzly HERS early in the process to ensure that all air-sealing and charge verifications pass on the first attempt, avoiding costly callbacks.
Protect Your Investment
Grizzly HERS Testing
Grizzly HERS Testing is a certified HERS Rater and Energy Consultant. We specialize in Title 24 HERS Verifications, Residential HERS Testing, Mechanical Acceptance Testing and Title 24 Energy Calculations.