Title 24 is a well-known term for most California home builders. If you’re unfamiliar with the phrase, Title 24 represents a collection of energy standards that help new and altered residential properties live up to the new expectations of energy efficiency.
Since 1978, California has continuously set and improved energy efficiency standards, with the standards being updated every three years. As of January 1, 2020, all new builds and altered homes in California will have to comply with the Title 24 standards that were introduced in 2019.
What Is Title 24 Compliance?
In order to be in compliance with the latest Title 24 standards, every home builder must submit a Title 24 report for approval. This report is a collection of forms that verify a building plan meets the energy efficiency standards introduced in 2019.
If a plan does not meet or exceed the requirements, it must be altered until it does. If a home builder constructs a home or makes alterations that do not meet Title 24 compliance, they could be fined by the state.
How to Comply
There are two different ways to comply with Title 24 standards, with the prescriptive method being the most popular and easiest.
The Prescriptive Method requires each individual component of a proposed plan to meet the minimum Title 24 requirements. This is the least flexible approach to take, but also the most direct path to quick compliance. When applying for permits, you’ll only have to show that a building is within the minimum or maximum requirements prescribed by a given requirement package.
The Performance Method will involve using computer methods approved by the Energy Commission. While more involved, this method does allow for more accuracy and flexibility when working on Title 24 compliance. You can achieve detailed accounts of energy trade-offs with this method and that empowers you with the greatest amount of flexibility for designing a project plan. The computer program will calculate the energy budget automatically by using an upgraded or downgraded version of the building’s design in order to achieve minimum compliance with the requirements package.
Choosing a Method
Most will opt for the prescriptive method, since it is the fastest, most streamlined approach to compliance. However, unlike the performance method, the prescriptive method does put an upper limit on how many windows a building can have. It is generally not recommended for large additions or new homes, either, as it can result in higher construction costs due to limited selection for each aspect of the build.
Ultimately, regardless of how you choose to comply with Title 24, knowing the standards themselves is important. If you haven’t yet explored the requirements in-depth, check out this article that discusses the latest Title 24 standards in detail.