HERS a nationally recognized program that is an objective, standardized evaluation of the energy efficiency of a home, compared to a simulated reference house (same size and shape as the rated home) that meets minimum energy code requirements. This is performed by a Certified third party Home Energy Rater.

Title 24 Energy Consultants should also be a member of California Home Energy Efficiency Rating Services (CHEERS). The certified home rating service covers the Orange County area which provides the project owner with a way to insure that quality installation of energy saving methods designed into their project are implemented properly.

In addition, the energy code has become more restrictive, forcing designers to look for ways to earn energy credits in order for their design to comply with the new 2008 California Title 24 energy code. HERS verification credits are going to play a major role in reaching and/or exceeding the 2008 California Title 24 energy code requirements.

HERS verifications are also a requirement when applying for SDG&E’s Advance Home Program which can qualify new homes for incentives ranging from $150.00 to $2,000.00. HERS verifications are also a requirement for ENERGY STAR homes, as well as qualifying for Federal Tax Credit Programs. Title 24 Energy Consultants should be ready to assist you with any of your residential title 24 energy code requirements.

Measures Requiring HERS Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing:

• Duct Sealing
• Supply Duct Location, Surface Area and R-Value
• Low Leakage Ducts in Conditioned Space
• Low Leakage Air Handlers
• Refrigerant Charge in Split System Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
• Refrigerant Charge Indicator Display (CID)
• Verified Cooling Coil Airflow
• Air Handler Fan Watt Draw
• High Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
• Maximum Rated Total Cooling Capacity
• Evaporatively Cooled Condensers
• Ice Storage Air Conditioners
• Building Envelope Sealing
• High Quality Insulation Installation (QII)
• Quality Insulation Installation for Spray Polyurethane Foam
• PV Field Verification Protocol

The Building Energy Efficiency Standards were first adopted and put into effect in 1978 and have been updated periodically in the intervening years. The 2008 Standards development and adoption process continued that long-standing practice of maintaining the Standards with technical rigor, challenging but achievable design and construction practices.

Since 1989 title 24 Energy Consultants have worked with architects, engineers, contractors and many property owners with a professional approach to maintain the commercial title 24 energy codes and residential title 24 reports. The energy code compliance experts work closely with the clients to demonstrate that their project will comply with the California’s Title-24 standards.

Using sophisticated state-of-the-art computer energy analysis software clients are provided Title 24 codes and energy compliance options necessary to save thousands of dollars in construction costs, increase design flexibility, increase allowable glass area, and speed up the plan-check process.

Title 24 Energy Consultants are required to contact you with the results, prepare all necessary compliance reports, and send the completed reports to your office, signed and guaranteed through plan-check. Title 24 calculations for both commercial Title 24 energy codes and residential title 24 reports are prepared by a CEPE (Certified Energy Plans Examiner) who should qualified to assist you with energy code compliance requirements.

California Title 24 Standards and Requirements

The requirement for when the 2008 standards must be followed is dependent on when the application for the building permit is submitted. If the application for the building permit is submitted on or after 1/1/10, the 2008 standards must be met.

The Energy Commission adopted the 2008 changes to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards for a number of reasons:

1. To provide California with an adequate, reasonably-priced, and environmentally-sound supply of energy.

2. To respond to Assembly Bill 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which mandates that California must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

3. To pursue California energy policy that energy efficiency is the resource of first choice for meeting California’s energy needs.

4. To act on the findings of California’s Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) that …

Standards are the most cost effective means to achieve energy efficiency

Expect the Building Energy Efficiency Standards to continue to be upgraded over time to reduce electricity and peak demand, and recognize the role of the California Title 24 Standards in reducing energy related to meeting California’s water needs and in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

5. To meet the West Coast Governors’ Global Warming Initiative commitment to include aggressive energy efficiency measures into updates of state building codes.

6. To meet the Executive Order in the Green Building Initiative to improve the energy efficiency of nonresidential buildings through aggressive standards.

California Title 24 Standards – Source : Solutions For Green.