California Title 24: What It Means for Your HVAC Project

California's Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards affect every HVAC installation. Understanding them helps you plan.

What Is Title 24?

Title 24 refers to California's energy efficiency requirements for buildings. Part 6 specifically covers energy efficiency, including HVAC.

When It Applies - New construction - HVAC system replacement - Additions and alterations - Essentially any permitted HVAC work

Key HVAC Requirements

Equipment Efficiency Minimum efficiency levels for: - Air conditioners (SEER2, EER2) - Heat pumps (HSPF2, SEER2) - Furnaces (AFUE)

California requirements meet or exceed federal minimums.

Duct Testing New duct systems must be tested for leakage: - Maximum allowable leakage rates - Certified testing required - Documentation for permit closure

System Sizing Equipment must be properly sized: - Manual J load calculation required - Oversizing not permitted - Documentation submitted to building department

Programmable Thermostats Required for most systems: - Must meet specific features - Demand response capability often required - Smart thermostats typically comply

The Compliance Process

1. Design Phase - Load calculations performed - Equipment selected to meet requirements - Compliance documentation prepared

2. Permit Application - CF1R forms submitted - Documents show compliance path - Building department reviews

3. Installation - Equipment installed per specifications - Ductwork properly sealed - System commissioned

4. Verification - HERS rater inspection (if required) - Duct testing performed - Documentation completed

5. Permit Closure - Final inspection - CF2R/CF3R forms submitted - Permit signed off

Cost Implications

Higher Equipment Costs Efficiency requirements often mean higher-efficiency (and higher-cost) equipment.

Testing and Verification HERS rater involvement adds cost (typically $200-400).

Documentation More paperwork and time for contractors.

Overall Impact Title 24 compliance typically adds 5-15% to project costs but ensures quality installation and long-term efficiency.

Benefits of Compliance

Energy Savings Properly sized, efficient systems use less energy.

Comfort Correct sizing means better comfort.

Quality Assurance Testing requirements catch installation problems.

Resale Value Permitted, compliant work is documented for future buyers.

Working with Compliance

Choose Qualified Contractors Experienced contractors handle compliance routinely and build costs into quotes.

Plan for Timeline Testing and documentation add time. Factor this in.

Keep Documentation Compliance certificates should stay with the home permanently.