California's Energy Code is known as Title 24. Long a leader in the movement to improve energy use in buildings, California's energy code is stricter than most, and goes through a public redefinition process every 3 years. The current code, known as the 2022 code, will be redefined in 2026, and will advance energy efficiency another notch . Build Smart is here to help you understand the changes and new elements.
The 2022 Energy Code
The 2022 energy code went into effect on January 1st, 2023, and all projects submitted for approval after that date will need to comply with the new version of the code. Some of the key changes between the 2019 and 2022 codes include:
- Prescriptive requirements for heat pump space heating in certain climate zones in both single family and nonresidential buildings, as well as prescriptive requirements for heat pump water heaters in school buildings in certain climate zones. For single family buildings, either a heat pump water heater or a solar-water heating system with electric backup is prescriptively required in certain climate zones.
- Mandatory measures for single family buildings to be electric-ready. Homes designed with gas or propane water heaters or furnaces must be equipped with plumbing/electrical wiring, and adequate space that would allow for the installation of a heat pump water heater and heat pump space heating. The same goes for homes designed with gas or propane cooktops or dryers, which must also have electrical wiring prepped for the installation of an electric cooktop and dryer.
- All multifamily buildings will now be under a multifamily portion of the code. Previously, multifamily buildings 3-stories or less were considered low-rise residential along with single family, and multifamily buildings greater than 3-stories were designated as high-rise residential.
- More solar requirements. Most commercial buildings will now be required to install PV panels and battery storage.
- Mandatory battery-ready requirements for single family buildings.
Compliance Paths
Option 1: Performance Method
95% of residential projects comply using the Performance method. In this method, every part of the building design is entered into a computer model that computes the expected energy usage of that design. The predicted energy usage of the designed building is compared against that of the standard building of that size. If the designed building uses less energy than the standard building, then it complies with the energy code. Building elements may be traded off against each other to achieve compliance, so this method allows for flexibility of design. BSG charges $400 for a typical performance method project.
Option 2: Prescriptive Method
The minority of simpler projects can be qualified to comply by meeting every requirement in the standards for the baseline building. This means all windows, insulation levels, HVAC system, hot water system, roofing, etc. must comply. BSG charges $250 for these simpler projects.
95% of residential projects comply using the Performance method. In this method, every part of the building design is entered into a computer model that computes the expected energy usage of that design. The predicted energy usage of the designed building is compared against that of the standard building of that size. If the designed building uses less energy than the standard building, then it complies with the energy code. Building elements may be traded off against each other to achieve compliance, so this method allows for flexibility of design. BSG charges $400 for a typical performance method project.
Option 2: Prescriptive Method
The minority of simpler projects can be qualified to comply by meeting every requirement in the standards for the baseline building. This means all windows, insulation levels, HVAC system, hot water system, roofing, etc. must comply. BSG charges $250 for these simpler projects.
Information Needed for Our Work
We can provide you with faster turnaround if you provide us with all the information we need in your first email:
1) Building dimensions for all floors
2) Window and door schedule showing U factor and SHGC coefficient of each one
3) Shading of all windows and doors
4) Insulation levels of walls, roofs, and foundations. Let us know if it is slab foundation if there is insulation around/under the slab.
5) HVAC system to be installed, including btu heat/cool, EER/SEER, afue
6) Ductwork insulation, testing, location
7) Any HERS measures intended for compliance (we can recommend if needed)
8) Hot water heater specs, hot water pipe insulation
9) Roofing type
10) All the above for all existing parts of house in addition to new parts if applicable
11) Year built
12) Square footage of existing/addition
13) Compass orientation
14) Location of appliances, bedrooms, bathrooms, garage
1) Building dimensions for all floors
2) Window and door schedule showing U factor and SHGC coefficient of each one
3) Shading of all windows and doors
4) Insulation levels of walls, roofs, and foundations. Let us know if it is slab foundation if there is insulation around/under the slab.
5) HVAC system to be installed, including btu heat/cool, EER/SEER, afue
6) Ductwork insulation, testing, location
7) Any HERS measures intended for compliance (we can recommend if needed)
8) Hot water heater specs, hot water pipe insulation
9) Roofing type
10) All the above for all existing parts of house in addition to new parts if applicable
11) Year built
12) Square footage of existing/addition
13) Compass orientation
14) Location of appliances, bedrooms, bathrooms, garage