Why is a Title 24 required? Title 24 questions and answers

HERS Rating & Title 24 Compliance - HERS Rater

Title 24 Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a Title-24?

The California Energy Commission requires the County or City Building Departments review a Title-24 energy calculation on your home to ensure the new construction, addition, or remodels comply with California Code Efficiency Standards before a permit is issued.

When do I need a Title-24?

Anytime you build a new home, change the square footage of the house or increase the window sizes.

About Energy Star

ENERGY STAR, an innovative energy efficiency program first introduced in 1995 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a voluntary national partnership that now includes more than 2,400 builders, developers, retailers and product manufacturers all working to build homes that use energy more efficiently.

What is an Energy Star Home?

An Energy Star home is built a minimum of 15% more energy compliant than California Energy Code requirements. The extra measures used to meet the minimum 15% are required to be verified by an independent 3rd party tester/inspector (called a HERS Rater). Once the tests/inspections are successfully verified, Home Energy Rating Service registers the home on the State Registry and issues the Energy Star Certificate.

Why would I want my home to be Energy Star?

An Energy Star home has various advantages. The greatest advantages are lower utility bills and mortgage incentives. For new homebuilders, the advantages also include marketing benefits.

What is the difference between Energy Star and the Total Home™ System programs?

The Total Home System™ incorporates all Energy Star measures and more. The house is required to have ACCA approved duct designs, improved insulation installation and the outside envelope is better sealed to prevent your conditioned air from escaping. At each step, a qualified HERS Rater inspects and tests each home to verify the superior energy efficiency quality of the home.

Are there Utility Company rebates available?

Yes. The major utility companies have programs available each year for New Construction Builders and existing homeowners as well. The funds are available on a first-come-first-served basis and are limited. Please call your utility company to inquire about funds availability.

How long does it take to perform a standard air tightness test of a house or HERS duct system?

A standard air tightness test of a house can usually be completed in 30 minutes or less. Once you arrive at a house, the Blower Door can typically be installed in about 5 - 10 minutes. Additional preparation and inspection of the house prior to beginning a test adds another 10 minutes. At this point, a test of the house to determine the overall leakage of the envelope can be conducted in less than 5 minutes.

Once the simple air tightness test has been completed, additional diagnostic procedures to find and prioritize the major leakage sites can add another 20 to 45 minutes depending on the size and complexity of the house, and the procedures used.

A standard air tightness duct test system using a Duct Blaster usually takes a little longer than a house test (about 15 - 20 minutes more), due to the need to temporarily seal all registers and grills before starting the testing procedure. Use of an adhesive backed register sealing material, such as Duct Mask, can keep this additional time investment to a minimum.