New California Title 24 Requirements Starting January 1, 2020

Beginning in January 1, 2020, all new projects will have to meet the 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards in order to qualify for permitting. These standards, set forth in the Title 24 publication, strive for ever-improved energy efficiency and it is essential that project leaders look to meet or surpass them as the new year approaches

Consider The Costs

With the standards updating every three years, the 2019 standards will be in effect until 2022 when new standards take place. Most will opt to meet the 2019 standards as they only get stricter and more expensive to implement as time goes on.

On average, the cost of implementing the 2019 standards will add about $9,500 to constructing a new home. However, it will save $19,000 in energy and maintenance costs for the homeowner over the course of 30 years. The increased value of meeting these new standards also adds to the sales price of a home with eco-conscious buyers always seeking the latest in green design and technology.

How to Achieve Title 24 Compliance

The standards set forth in Title 24 are entirely focused on improving a home’s energy efficiency and impacting its effect on the environment. From here forward, any one seeking a permit must submit a Title 24 report, which is a set of forms verifying any new building plans meet these requirements.

Some of the new standards that must be met as part of the code include the following

  • Solar Power: New homes will require solar photovoltaic systems (i.e., solar panels) to supplement the building’s electrical requirements.
  • Green Tech: For residential buildings, demand responsive technologies like heat pump water heaters and battery storage are encouraged.
  • Insulation: Homes must meet higher insulation standards, including high performance attics, walls, and windows to increase energy savings. Consider using 2x6 wood framed exterior walls over 2x4 to meet the new insulation requirements.
  • Air Filters: Highly efficient air filters are part of the new standards, too. These will be used to trap hazardous particulates that come from outdoor air through the HVAC system and from indoor kitchen equipment through the ventilation system.
  • Lighting: In nonresidential buildings specifically, the standards encourage builders to maximize the use of LED lighting. For all buildings, designs should avoid skylights and get smart about window placement.

All together, meeting these requirements and recommendations will prove to be a major selling point for any newly built or newly renovated home that hits the market in the coming years.

While it may take some adaption and added cost in order to fulfill these new requirements for coming projects, they are mandatory. Therefore, it’s important to review the Title 24 standards in full to ensure you have a solid understanding of what the state expects from construction projects