Energy and Title 24

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding Title 24 and energy standards.

Q: What are the energy standards?

A: 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. The standards are updated periodically to allow consideration and possible incorporation of new energy efficiency technologies and methods.

Q: Why should I comply with the energy standards?

A: The energy standards are regulations adopted by the California Energy Commission and are laws that apply in California. The Energy Commission adopted the 2005 changes to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, for a number of compelling reasons:

• 1. To respond to California's energy crisis to reduce energy bills, increase energy delivery system reliability, and contribute to an improved economic condition for the state;
• 2. To respond to the AB 970 (Statutes of 2000) urgency legislation to adopt and implement updated and cost-effective building energy efficiency standards;
• 3. To respond to the SB 5X (Statutes of 2001) urgency legislation to adopt energy efficiency building standards for outdoor lighting; and
• 4. To emphasize energy efficiency measures that save energy at peak periods and seasons, improve the quality of installation of energy efficiency measures, incorporate recent publicly funded building science research, and collaborate with California utilities to incorporate results of appropriate market incentives programs for specific technologies.

The Energy Commission adopted the 2005 Standards on November 5, 2003, and the Building Standards Commission adopted them on July 21, 2004.
California's building efficiency standards (along with those for energy efficient appliances) have saved more than $56 billion in electricity and natural gas costs since 1978. It is estimated the standards will save an additional $23 billion by 2013.

Q: How do I find out about the standards?

A: The current 2005 standards and the 2001 Standards may be downloaded from the Web pages listed above, or to obtain a hard copy, contact the Energy Commission's publications unit at 916-654-5200.
If you have questions about Title 24:
Energy Efficiency Hotline
E-mail: title24@energy.state.ca.us
Phone: 916-654-5106 or
Phone: 1-800-772-3300 (toll free in Calif.)

Q: Who is responsible for making sure the energy Standards are met?

A: The individual installing performing the construction is responsible for meeting all the State Energy Standards. The local Building Department performs plan review and inspection of Energy related items but the ultimate responsibility of meeting the energy standards is on the person doing the work.

Q: Recently a home inspector found that the heating and cooling system in my house was not installed per the Energy Standards in effect at the time the equipment was installed. I want the City to pay for this my increased energy bills, who do I contact?

A: The individual who performed the installation is responsible for meeting the Energy Standards . You should determine the installer and then take you complaint to the Contractors State License Board CSLB administers two arbitration programs: a mandatory program for disputes involving alleged damages of $7,500 or less, and a voluntary program for disputes involving allegations of damage between $7,500 and $50,000. Complaints must meet stringent criteria to qualify for referral to a CSLB arbitration program. CSLB staff will determine whether the dispute meets these criteria.
For more information on these programs, review CSLB's Mandatory Arbitration Program or Voluntary Arbitration Program guides. Both are available on the CSLB Web site at www.cslb.ca.gov, or by request by calling 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).

Q: Do I need a permit for installing solar panels?

A: Yes, check with your local Building Department for permit requirements.