The cost of energy is rising steadily and dramatically. Nowhere are those increases more evident than in our homes. Every month the cost of heating, cooling, lighting, refrigeration, washing and drying and all the other small things we take for granted seem to increase. But, there are steps we can take to ensure that our homes use less energy. In fact, we can actually reduce our energy costs without sacrificing comfort or convenience. That's what CHEERS® is all about.

CHEERS® points the way to comfort, convenience and lower utility bills.

CHEERS® (California Home Energy Efficiency Rating Services) is a California statewide 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting energy efficiency. Founded in 1990, CHEERS® was approved in 1999 by the California Energy Commission as the first home energy rating provider under the Home Energy Rating System Regulations. It has an independent Board of Directors representing utilities, environmental and energy conservation and consulting groups.

CHEERS® trains and certifies home energy Raters for the building industry. Working with builders as homes are being built, CHEERS® Raters—nearly 500 statewide—conduct independent third party tests, verifications and certifications for homebuilders. This process ensures that homes being built meet or exceed the energy efficiency standards established by the state. Last year, CHEERS® Raters completed more than 20,000 ratings and verifications.

A CHEERS® Rater will perform a comprehensive analysis of the home. The analysis includes insulation, windows, heating/cooling system, water heater and lighting Once verified and certified that the home meets state energy standards, the information is entered into a computer program that calculates an energy rating for the home and, when needed, analyzes all of the possibilities (up to 6,000 variations) for improving the home's energy efficiency. Once the analysis is completed, a detailed rating report listing recommended energy efficiency improvements, (many of which may be financed through an Energy Efficient Mortgage) is submitted.

To make sure energy efficiency ratings are completely objective, Raters are independent contractors that have been trained and certified by CHEERS®. Further, every CHEERS® Rater is required to go through quality assurance reviews, renew their certification and contracts annually with CHEERS®.

CHEERS® maintains a unique online Registry of certification documents that links the homebuilder, rater, and energy analyst to the rating process. And, CHEERS® is...

...a RESNET accredited HERS software and training provider.
...a member of CABEC, CBIA, California Association of Non-Profits, American Society of Quality
 ...an EPA Energy Star Award winner in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

With CHEERS® at work, homes will be more energy efficient; homeowners will enjoy lower utility bills and the comfort and convenience they expect.