Energy Code Experts

What is Title 24?

Title 24 is California's Building Energy Efficiency Standards, part of the California Code of Regulations. It establishes minimum energy efficiency requirements for new construction and renovations to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions across the state.

Every residential project that requires a building permit in California must demonstrate compliance with Title 24. This includes new homes, ADUs, room additions, window replacements, HVAC changes, and significant renovations. Without proper Title 24 documentation, your permit application will be incomplete.

At Andalusia Drafting, we provide complete Title 24 compliance services as part of our drafting packages or as a standalone service. We handle the calculations, documentation, and CF-1R registration so you can focus on your project.

Title 24 energy compliance documentation and calculations - Andalusia Drafting California
100% Compliance Rate
Our Services

Title 24 Compliance Services

Comprehensive energy compliance documentation for all residential project types.

CF-1R Reports

Complete Certificate of Compliance documentation registered with the California Energy Commission's HERS registry. Required for all permit applications.

Energy Calculations

Detailed energy modeling using approved calculation methods. We optimize designs to meet efficiency requirements while keeping construction costs reasonable.

Performance Path

Performance-based compliance for projects that need flexibility. Trade-offs between building components to achieve overall energy efficiency targets.

Prescriptive Path

Straightforward compliance using prescriptive requirements. Ideal for standard projects where component specifications meet code requirements.

Alterations Compliance

Title 24 documentation for remodels and alterations. Different requirements apply based on the scope of work and affected building components.

New Construction

Complete Title 24 packages for new homes and ADUs. Full compliance documentation from foundation to roof including all building systems.

Requirements

What Title 24 Covers

Building Envelope

  • Insulation: Wall, ceiling, floor, and foundation insulation requirements
  • Windows: U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) requirements
  • Air Sealing: Building tightness and air barrier requirements
  • Cool Roofs: Reflectance requirements for certain climate zones

HVAC Systems

  • Equipment Efficiency: Minimum efficiency ratings for heating and cooling
  • Duct Sealing: Duct leakage testing and sealing requirements
  • Ventilation: Mechanical ventilation and indoor air quality

Water Heating

  • Heat Pump Water Heaters: Now required for most new construction
  • Solar Ready: Pre-plumbing for solar water heating systems
  • Pipe Insulation: Hot water distribution efficiency

Lighting & Electrical

  • High-Efficacy Lighting: LED or equivalent required throughout
  • Lighting Controls: Dimmers, vacancy sensors, daylight controls
  • Solar PV: Photovoltaic system requirements for new construction
  • Battery Storage: Ready for battery storage systems
Location Matters

California Climate Zones

Title 24 requirements vary by climate zone. California has 16 climate zones, each with specific energy requirements based on local weather patterns.

Coastal Zones (1-7)

Mild temperatures year-round require less heating and cooling. Focus on natural ventilation, moderate insulation, and managing solar heat gain. Cities include San Francisco, Los Angeles coastal areas, San Diego, and the Central Coast.

Inland Zones (8-14)

Hot summers and cooler winters require robust HVAC systems. Emphasis on cooling efficiency, high-performance windows, and significant insulation. Cities include Sacramento, Fresno, Riverside, and the Inland Empire.

Desert Zones (14-15)

Extreme temperature swings require maximum efficiency. High insulation values, cool roofs, and efficient cooling systems are essential. Includes Palm Springs, Coachella Valley, and desert communities.

Mountain Zones (16)

Cold winters drive heating-dominated requirements. Heavy insulation, efficient heating systems, and snow load considerations. Includes Lake Tahoe, Big Bear, and Sierra Nevada communities.

We handle compliance for all 16 California climate zones. Just tell us your project location.

How It Works

Title 24 Compliance Process

01

Project Review

We analyze your plans, specifications, and project location to determine compliance requirements.

02

Energy Modeling

Detailed calculations using approved software to verify or optimize your design for compliance.

03

Documentation

Prepare all required forms including CF-1R certificates and mandatory measures checklist.

04

Registration

Register CF-1R with the HERS registry and provide complete documentation for permit submission.

Common Questions

Title 24 FAQs

If your project requires a building permit in California, it almost certainly needs some level of Title 24 compliance. This includes new construction, additions, and alterations. Even "simple" projects like window replacements or HVAC changes have Title 24 requirements. The specific documentation needed depends on your project scope.

CF-1R (Certificate of Compliance - Residential) is the official document that certifies your project complies with California's energy code. It must be registered with the California Energy Commission's HERS (Home Energy Rating System) registry and included with your permit application. We prepare and register all CF-1R forms for our clients.

Without proper Title 24 documentation, your building permit will not be approved. If you build without compliance and it's discovered later, you may face stop-work orders, fines, and requirements to retrofit the building to meet code. We help ensure your project complies from the start, avoiding costly delays and changes.

Title 24 compliance is included in all our drafting packages at no additional cost. If you need standalone Title 24 services (for plans drawn by others), pricing depends on project complexity. Contact us for a quote specific to your project. The cost is minimal compared to permit delays or compliance failures.

Yes, most projects require HERS (Home Energy Rating System) field verification by a certified rater after construction. This includes duct leakage testing, envelope air sealing verification, and other inspections. We provide the compliance documents that specify what testing is required. Your contractor will need to schedule HERS testing before final inspection.

Need Title 24 Compliance Help?

Get professional Title 24 documentation for your California project. Fast turnaround, accurate calculations, complete registration.