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California's Title 24 Energy Standards: A win-win situation!
What are California's Title 24 Energy Standards?
The Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings were established in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce California's energy consumption. New homes, additions and alterations currently are required to meet the 2001 California Energy Efficiency Standards (CEES).
Ever wonder why your home can't retain the heat during the cold winter nights? Or keep cool during the hot summer days? It is most likely that the home you're living in was built prior to 1978 when builders were not required to insulate homes or comply with the Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards. Without an insulated wall or roof and poor quality glazing (i.e. single glazing, aluminum frames), interior heat is lost very easily through the drywall and stucco/siding. A similar situation happens in the summer when heat comes into the building, making the interior unbearably hot and uncomfortable.
Who benefits from CEES?
New homes and additions that comply with CEES assure their owners meet minimum energy conservation levels. The homeowners are also assured they will reduce their energy bills significantly compared to older, non-compliant homes.
Energy efficient homes are always more marketable for sellers, as buyers are aware that an energy efficient home will be more comfortable and have lower utility bills.
The big winners with the implementation of these energy requirements are the State of California and the environment. California with its energy crisis will lessen its dependence on foreign oil and the need to build more power plants. In return the environment gains improved air quality.
The Energy Compliance Report
The Title 24 Energy Compliance Report available from Palos Verdes Engineering, provides the specifications for the minimum in construction products to construct an energy efficient home. The report specifies the minimum requirements for wall, ceiling, floor and roof insulation, space conditioning equipment and window requirements among other materials.
Energy Standards must be met anytime a new home, addition or an alteration is built. And as for dual glazing, it is not a requirement, but single glazing makes it difficult to get compliance.
Current Residential Title 24 Minimum Requirements
Insulation: Wall: R-13, Roof: R-30, Floor & Ceiling: R-19**
Efficiency: Gas Forced Air Unit: 78%, A/C Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): 10.0
Glazing: Single glazing is still an option. Dual glazing is not required by code. Metal-framed
windows are still an option. Wood and Vinyl framed windows are not required by code.
For help with your construction project and compliance with Title 24, call Palos Verdes Engineering for advice.
**“R-value” is the measurement of how well a material insulates.
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