What Does Title 24 Include?
Title 24 establishes energy-efficiency requirements for residential construction projects throughout California.
It may apply to new homes, ADUs, additions, garage conversions, remodels, and other residential alterations.
In residential construction, the term Title 24 commonly refers to Part 6 of the California Building Standards Code, also known as the California Energy Code.
The purpose of the Energy Code is to reduce energy consumption, improve indoor comfort, support better indoor air quality, and establish minimum efficiency standards for buildings.
Important: Title 24 requirements are different for every project. They may vary depending on the climate zone, project type, building size, orientation, windows, insulation, HVAC equipment, water-heating system, and compliance method.
What Does Title 24 Include?
1. Building Envelope
Title 24 evaluates the parts of the building that separate the conditioned indoor space from the exterior.
- Wall insulation
- Roof and ceiling insulation
- Floor insulation
- Foundation requirements
- Air sealing
- Thermal envelope performance
2. Windows and Skylights
Windows and skylights must meet specific energy-performance requirements.
- U-factor
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or SHGC
- Total window area
- Window orientation
- Shading and overhangs
- Climate-zone requirements
3. Heating and Cooling Systems
Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems must meet minimum efficiency and installation requirements.
- HVAC equipment efficiency
- Heating and cooling system sizing
- Duct insulation
- Duct leakage testing
- Thermostats and controls
- Equipment location
4. Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality
Residential buildings must provide proper mechanical ventilation and exhaust to maintain indoor air quality.
- Whole-house ventilation
- Bathroom exhaust fans
- Kitchen ventilation
- Required airflow rates
- Indoor air-quality requirements
5. Lighting and Controls
Title 24 includes energy-efficiency requirements for interior and exterior lighting.
- High-efficacy lighting
- Dimmer controls
- Occupancy sensors
- Vacancy sensors
- Timers
- Exterior lighting controls
6. Water Heating
Water-heating systems must meet efficiency and installation requirements.
- Heat-pump water heaters
- Tank water heaters
- Tankless water heaters
- Hot-water pipe insulation
- Recirculation systems
- Hot-water distribution efficiency
7. Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Solar photovoltaic systems may be required for many new residential projects.
The required system size and any available exceptions depend on the project, building design, and applicable California Energy Code requirements.
8. Battery Storage
Battery-storage requirements may apply to certain residential projects or compliance scenarios.
The requirement depends on the project type, applicable code cycle, and energy-compliance design.
9. Compliance Documentation
Title 24 compliance is documented through forms and certificates used during design, construction, testing, and final inspection.
- CF1R compliance documents
- CF2R installation certificates
- CF3R verification certificates
- HERS testing and verification when required
- Registered compliance documentation
10. Additions and Alterations
Title 24 does not apply only to new homes. Existing residential buildings may also require compliance when work is performed.
- Residential additions
- ADUs
- Garage conversions
- Remodels
- Window replacements
- HVAC replacements
- Water-heater replacements
Projects That Commonly Require Title 24
- New single-family homes
- Accessory Dwelling Units
- Garage-to-ADU conversions
- Residential additions
- Remodels and alterations
- New multifamily residential buildings
- Window and door replacements
- HVAC and water-heating upgrades
Why Is Title 24 Important?
California cities and counties commonly require Title 24 energy-compliance documentation before approving a building permit.
Proper Title 24 documentation can help:
- Reduce plan-check corrections
- Avoid permit delays
- Coordinate the architectural and mechanical design
- Improve energy efficiency
- Reduce energy costs
- Improve indoor comfort
- Prevent costly construction changes
Prescriptive and Performance Compliance
Prescriptive Method
The prescriptive method requires the project to follow specific requirements for individual building components, including insulation, windows, HVAC equipment, and water heating.
Performance Method
The performance method uses approved energy-modeling software to evaluate the building as a complete system.
This method normally provides greater design flexibility because improved performance in one part of the building may help compensate for another component, as long as the complete project meets the required energy budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do additions require a Title 24 report?
Most residential additions require Title 24 compliance documentation. The exact requirements depend on the size and scope of the addition.
Is Title 24 required for an ADU?
New ADUs generally require Title 24 energy-compliance documentation. Requirements may vary depending on whether the ADU is detached, attached, or converted from existing space.
Do garage conversions require Title 24?
Garage conversions into habitable space normally require Title 24 compliance, including insulation, windows, HVAC, ventilation, lighting, and water-heating requirements when applicable.
Can a permit be approved without Title 24?
When Title 24 documentation is required, the building department generally requests it before approving the building permit.
How long does a residential Title 24 report take?
Most residential Title 24 reports can be completed within 24 to 48 hours after complete plans and project information are received.
Need a Residential Title 24 Report?
T24 PRO prepares residential energy-compliance documentation for projects throughout California.
- New Homes
- ADUs
- Additions
- Garage Conversions
- Remodels
Residential Title 24 Reports Starting at $250
Starting price applies to projects up to 1,000 square feet. Larger projects are priced according to size and complexity.
Visit: t24pro.com