Appendix RA4 – Eligibility Criteria for Energy Efficiency Measures
RA4.1 Purpose and Scope

This appendix contains the eligibility requirements which must be met when any of the following features are installed to achieve compliance with the residential building energy efficiency standards. Building Envelope Measures.

RA4.2 Envelope Measures
RA4.2.1 Radiant Barriers

Radiant barriers shall meet specific eligibility and installation criteria to be modeled by any compliance software and receive energy credit for compliance with the Building Energy Efficiency Standards for low-rise residential buildings.

The emittance of the radiant barrier shall be less than or equal to 0.05 as tested in accordance with ASTM C1371 or ASTM E408.

Installation shall conform to ASTM C1158 (Standard Practice for Installation and Use of Radiant Barrier Systems (RBS) in Building Construction), ASTM C727 (Standard Practice for Installation and Use of Reflective Insulation in Building Constructions), ASTM C1313 (Standard Specification for Sheet Radiant Barriers for Building Construction Applications), and ASTM C1224 (Standard Specification for Reflective Insulation for Building Applications), and the radiant barrier shall be securely installed in a permanent manner with the shiny side facing down toward the interior of the building (ceiling or attic floor). Moreover, radiant barriers shall be installed at the top chords of the roof truss/rafters in any of the following methods:

  1. Draped over the truss/rafter (the top chords) before the upper roof decking is installed.
  2. Spanning between the truss/rafters (top chords) and secured (stapled) to each side. 
  3. Secured (stapled) to the bottom surface of the truss/rafter (top chord). A minimum air space shall be maintained between the top surface of the radiant barrier and roof decking of not less than 1.5 inches at the center of the truss/rafter span.
  4. Attached [laminated] directly to the underside of the roof decking. The radiant barrier shall be laminated and perforated by the manufacturer to allow moisture/vapor transfer through the roof deck.
  5. In addition, the radiant barrier shall be installed to cover all gable end walls and other vertical surfaces in the attic.
RA4.2.1.1 For Prescriptive Compliance: The attic shall be ventilated to:
  1. Provide a minimum free ventilation area of not less than one square foot of vent area for each 300 ft2 of attic floor area.
  2. Provide no less than 30 percent upper vents.
  3. Ridge vents or gable end vents are recommended to achieve the best performance. The material should be cut to allow for full airflow to the venting.
  4. The product shall meet all requirements for California certified insulation materials [radiant barriers] of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Household Goods and Services, as specified by CCR, Title 24, Part 12, Chapter 12-13, Standards for Insulating Material.
  5. The use of a radiant barrier shall be listed in the Special Features and Modeling Assumptions listings of the Certificate of Compliance and described in detail in the Residential ACM Manual Conform to the radiant barrier manufacturer's instructions.
RA4.2.2 Fenestration Including Dynamic Glazing

For each manufactured fenestration products including dynamic glazing a temporary NFRC Label, or a temporary Default Label, will be attached to each fenestration product. The labels shall remain attached to the fenestration product until the building inspector verifies the efficiencies.

Before installation the installer or responsible party shall fill out the Installation Certificate form for the fenestration including dynamic glazing and verify the efficiencies (e.g., U-factor and SHGC) matches the Certificate of Compliance and the building plans. A copy of the Installation Certificate shall remain at the job site and a copy given to the building owner and the enforcement agency for their records.

RA4.2.2.1 Installer Shall Verify:
  1. Name of the manufacture, brand name, model matches building plans or energy compliance forms;
  2. That each manufactured fenestration product shall be provided with a temporary NFRC Label Certificate or a Default Label to identify the thermal performance (e.g., U-factor, and SHGC) of each fenestration product being installed;
  3. Identify the azimuth orientation in degrees or in cardinal orientation for each of the installed fenestration products and annotated on the Installation Certificate;
  4. If no NFRC Label is included on the fenestration, then verify with the Responsible Person of the building construction or enforcement agency to ensure the fenestration product used actually meets or exceeds the energy specifications;
  5. For dynamic glazing; to ensure reliable proper control operation, the controls shall be installed and verified to meet manufacturer's operation specifications. A copy of the User Manual shall be provided to the building owner;
  6. The installer completes and signs the Declaration Statement on the Installation Certificate and signed copy of the Installation Certificate(s) shall remain at the job site; and
  7. A copy shall be given to the building owner and the enforcement agency for their records.
RA4.2.2.2 Window Film

These procedures detail the installation protocols necessary for window films. Each window film product to be installed is provided with a temporary NFRC Label on the box to identify the thermal performance efficiencies (e.g., U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and Visible Transmittance (VT)). The labels shall be located at the job site for verification by the enforcement agency. In addition, the responsible person or the installer shall fill out the Installation Certificate and shall verify the thermal performance efficiencies of each window film to be installed matches the energy Certificate of Compliance documentation and the building plans orientation schedule. A copy of the Installation Certificates shall be given to the building owner and the enforcement agency for their records along with other window film information.

RA4.2.2.2.1 Window Film Documentation at Occupancy
  1. The IWFA Architectural Visual Inspection Standard Window Film (dated August 21, 2018), a copy can be obtained through www.iwfa.com;
  2. A sample (8” x 10”) of the film installed with a copy of its Performance Specification Sheet attached; and
  3. A 15 or more year Warranty Certificate(s) shall be given to the building owner.
RA4.2.2.3 The Responsible Person or Installer Shall Verify Before Installation
  1. Name of the manufacture, brand name, model matches building plans or energy compliance forms; and
  2. From the building plans or energy compliance documentation identify the azimuth orientation in degrees or in cardinal orientation for each of the window film to be installed to ensure the correct window film type is installed in the appropriate orientation; and
  3. Verify the temporary NFRC label on the box for each window film’s U-factor, Solar Heat Gain (SHGC) and Visible Transmittance (VT) matches the energy compliance documentation and building plans; and
  4. List the NFRC Certified Product Directory (CPD) identification number provided on the label on the Installation Certificate form; and
  5. If no NFRC Label is included on the box or identification of the window film, then verify with the Responsible Person of the building construction or enforcement agency to ensure the window film used actually meets or exceeds the energy specifications; and
  6. Installation of window films shall follow the International Window Film Association (IWFA) Architectural Visual Inspection Standards Window Film (dated August 21, 2018); and
  7. After the installation, the installer completes and signs the Declaration Statement on the Installation Certificate.
RA4.2.2.4 Documentation at Occupancy

The following documentation shall be made available to the building owner at occupancy:

  1. Completed and signed Installation Certificate form(s);
  2. A 10 or more year Warranty Certificate(s) shall be given to the building owner for fenestration products other than window films.
RA4.3 HVAC Measures
RA4.3.1 Evaporatively-Cooled Condensing Units

To ensure reliable energy savings and proper operation and control, the evaporatively-cooled condensing unit shall conform to the requirements in section RA4.3.1.

The verifications and eligibility testing listed in sections RA4.3.1.1 and RA4.3.1.2 shall be completed, certified by the HVAC installer on the Certificate of Installation, and verified by a ECC-Rater on the Certificate of Verification.

The builder or installer shall provide a Certificate of Compliance that reports the use of an evaporatively-cooled condensing unit for determining performance standards compliance, that requires verification of the system equipment, duct sealing, and refrigerant charge for compliance as described in Section RA4.3.1.1.

RA4.3.1.1 Verification

The following shall be verified by a ECC-rater and reported on a Certificate of Verification for the system:

  1. EER2 at 95o F dry bulb and 75o F wet bulb temperature is listed with ARI (generally called EERa).
  2. EER2 at 82o F dry bulb and 65o F wet bulb temperature is submitted to ARI and published by the manufacturer in accordance with ARI guidelines (generally called EERb).
  3. Presence of TXV is verified if the ARI certified EER2s are based on equipment with TXVs.
  4. Ducts are tested and sealed in all installations of this equipment according to applicable requirements in Section RA3.1.
  5. Proper refrigerant charge or presence of Fault Indicator Display (FID) is verified if compliance credit is taken for this measure when TXVs are not installed.
RA4.3.1.2 Eligibility Testing

The installing contractor shall complete the following eligibility testing and document the results on the applicable Certificate of Installation.

  1. Verify that there is water in the water casing.
  2. Switch on the cooling system by setting the thermostat below the room temperature.
  3. Verify that the water pump starts running when the system is turned on.
  4. When the water pump is running, verify that all the condenser coils are wet.
  5. Verify that the high pressure trip for the compressor is set (per manufacturer’s specifications) at or below 300 psig for R22 Refrigerant and at or below the saturation pressure corresponding to a temperature of 1310 F for all other refrigerants.
  6. Turn off the water supply to the water casing, drain the water from the sump, and verify that the water pump and the compressor trip.
  7. Verify that the condenser coils have a corrosion resistant coating and that the water casing is made up of corrosion resistant material.
  8. Verify that the electrolytic protection is installed.
  9. Verify that a blow-down pump is installed for periodic blow-down to remove solids from the water casing.
  10. Verify that the operation of this pump is automatic based on compressor run time or the conductivity of the water in the casing.
  11. Verify that the water casing is sloped downward towards the blow-down pump location to facilitate removal of solids.
  12. Drift eliminators must be installed to reduce the loss of water to less than 0.002% of the recirculated water (as per test method CTI-HBIK Std.140 or other approved procedure).
  13. Condensate water must be routed to the evaporative condenser sump, unless it is not practical, i.e., the fan coil and condenser not separated by conditioned space.
  14. Condenser must have a certification from the manufacturer that water consumption is less than 0.15 gph per ton of capacity.
  15. Water connection is made with tubing no large than 1/4 inch diameter.
  16. Overflow from the unit is not connected directly to the sewer drain (son in the event of a water float failure an overflow condition can be more easily detected) or another means of determining an overflows condition is provided.
  17. The system has a backup solenoid water shutoff control or no spill sump.
RA4.3.2 Evaporative Cooling

Qualifying equipment is limited to either indirect-direct or indirect evaporative coolers. Direct evaporative coolers and indirect or indirect-direct evaporative coolers that do not meet the following eligibility criteria shall not be used.

RA4.3.2.1 Eligibility Testing

The installing contractor shall complete the following eligibility testing and document the results on the applicable Certificate of Installation.

  1. Eligible equipment shall be listed under Title 20 Appliance Standards.
  2. The equipment manufacturer shall certify to the Commission that water use does not exceed 7.5 gallons per ton hour based on the Title 20 Appliance Standards testing criteria.
  3. Equipment shall be permanently installed (no window or portable units).
  4. Installation shall provide for automatic relief of supply air from the house with maximum air velocity through the relief dampers not exceeding 800 fpm (at the Title 20 rated airflow). Pressure relief dampers and ductwork shall be distributed to provide adequate airflow through all habitable rooms. For installations with an attic, ceiling dampers shall be installed to relieve air into the attic, and then to outside through attic vents. For installations without an attic, sidewall relief dampers are acceptable.
  5. To minimize water consumption, bleed systems shall not be allowed.
  6. A water quality management system (either “pump out” or conductivity sensor) is required. “Pump out” systems can either be integral to the evaporative cooler or they can be accessories that operate on a timed interval. The time interval between dumps shall be set to a minimum of six hours of cooler operation. Longer intervals are encouraged if local water quality allows.
RA4.4 Water Heating Measures



RA4.4.1 Proper Installation of Pipe Insulation

Insulation must meet the requirements specified in §150.0(j). Pipe insulation shall fit tightly to the pipe and all elbows and tees shall be fully insulated. No piping should be visible due to insulation voids with the exception of the last segment of piping that penetrates walls and delivers hot water to the sink, appliance, etc. All domestic hot water piping shall be insulated as specified in Section 609.12 of the California Plumbing Code.

Pipe insulation may be omitted where hot water distribution piping is buried within attic, crawlspace or wall insulation, as described below: In attics and crawlspaces the insulation shall completely surround the pipe with at least 1 inch of insulation and the pipe shall be completely covered with at least 4 inches of insulation further away from the conditioned space. In walls, the insulation must completely surround the pipe with at least 1 inch of insulation. If burial within the insulation does not meet these specifications, then this exception does not apply, and the section of pipe not meeting the specifications must be insulated as specified in §150.0(j).

RA4.4.2 - The Standard Distribution System (STD)

The Standard Distribution System design requires that hot water distribution piping meets the requirements of Proper Installation of Pipe Insulation RA4.4.1.

RA4.4.3 Thermostatic Balancing Valve 

To receive the thermostatic balancing valve credit, calculations shall be completed that demonstrate that the length of the return piping portion of the domestic hot water recirculation loop does not exceed 160 feet. If the domestic hot water has multiple recirculation pipe loops, the length of any hot water return pipe shall not exceed 160 feet to receive credit.

A variable speed circulation pump with pump differential pressure control shall be installed. The circulation pump design flow rate should be calculated to meet the design hot water return temperature based on the calculated distribution system heat losses and the design hot water supply temperature. The circulation pump specified should be the smallest pump required to meet the design flow rate as calculated and documented by the responsible person associated with the project.

Each thermostatic balancing valve shall be installed after the last fixture on the hot water supply riser it serves. As part of the installer’s start-up procedure, the installer shall perform the following:

  1. Close all fixtures in the domestic water system.
  2. Start the circulation pump at a constant speed, targeting the circulation pump design flow, and allow the system 60 minutes to warm up.
  3. Verify that the temperature at the last riser does not exceed 120°F.
  4. If the temperature at the last riser exceeds 120°F, adjust the pump speed down and repeat the procedure, allowing 30 minutes for warm up.
  5. Once the temperature at the last riser is equal to or less than 120°F, record the pump differential pressure and set the pump into differential pressure control mode using the recorded differential pressure as the set point.


RA4.4.4 Central Parallel Piping (PP)

This hot water distribution system is comprised of one or more manifolds located relatively close to the water heater and pipes running from the manifold to individual fixtures and appliances. The manifolds may have valves for each pipe running from the manifold to individual fixtures and appliances. These valves must be readily accessible in accordance with the plumbing code. The measured length of pipe from the water heater each central manifold shall not exceed 15 feet (measured to the nearest half foot).

The hot water distribution system piping from the manifold to the fixtures and appliances must take the most direct path. For example, in a house with more than 1-story and the water heater in the garage, this requirement would exclude running hot water supply piping from the manifold to the attic, and then running the line back down to a first floor point of use.

The hot water distribution piping must be separated by at least two inches from any other hot water supply piping, and at least six inches from any cold water supply piping or the hot water supply piping must be insulated based on the conductivity range in Table 120.3-A and the insulation level shall be selected from the fluid temperature range based on the thickness requirements in Table 120.3-A.

Other hot water piping shall be insulated to a level that meets the requirements of §150.0(j) and be installed in accordance with Proper Installation of Pipe Insulation RA4.4.1.

RA4.4.5 - Point of Use (POU)

This measure requires that all hot water fixtures in the dwelling unit, with the exception of a stand-alone tub must use no more pipe per run than defined in Table 4.4.5. To meet this requirement most houses will require multiple water heaters.

Table 4.4.5

Size Nominal (Inch)
Length of Pipe (feet)
3/8”
15
1/2”
10
3/4”
5
  1. Measurements shall be made to the nearest half foot.
  2. If a combination of piping is used in a single run then one half the allowed length of each size is the maximum installed length.
  3. The hot water distribution system piping from the water heater(s) to the fixtures and appliances must take the most direct path. For example, in a house with more than 1-story and the water heater in the garage, this requirement would exclude running hot water supply piping from the manifold to the attic, and then running the line back down to a first floor point of use.
  4. Hot water piping shall be insulated to a level that meets the requirements of §150.0(j) and be installed in accordance with Proper Installation of Pipe Insulation R4.4.1.
RA4.4.6 Compact Hot Water Distribution System

To receive the Compact Hot Water Distribution System credit (available for single family homes and multifamily dwellings served by individual water heaters), plan calculations must be completed that demonstrate that the water heater to fixture proximity is more compact than a threshold criteria that is defined based on the dwelling unit conditioned floor area and number of stories. Compactness is characterized by calculating the “Weighted Distance” from the water heater to key fixtures and the threshold criteria is identified by the “Qualification Distance”. (The Qualification Distance is calculated directly by the ACM.) Determination of the Weighted Distance for a particular floor plan is dependent on whether it is a non-recirculating or a recirculating distribution system, with the recirculation option only available for single family homes.

Calculation of the Weighted Distance varies depending on the type of system being installed. The calculation is based on a equation with modifications based on the distribution system type. In each case the basis of the calculation is the plan-view, straight line distance from the water heater to the center of the further use point fixture in three locations of the dwelling unit, two of which are the master bathroom and the kitchen. It is calculated using the following equation:

Weighted_Distance = x * d_MasterBath + y * d_Kitchen + z * d_FurthestThird

Where:

  1. x, y, and z = Weighted Distance coefficients (unitless), see Table 4.4.6-1.
  2. d_MasterBath = The plan view, straight line distance from the water heater to the furthest fixture served by that water heater in the master bathroom (feet).
  3. d_Kitchen = The plan view, straight line distance from the water heater to the furthest fixture served by that water heater in the kitchen (feet).
  4. d_FurthestThird = The plan view, straight line distance from the water heater to the furthest fixture served by that water heater in the furthest room7 in the dwelling unit (feet).

  5. Because the Master Bath and Kitchen have unique separate terms, the d_FurthestThird fixture must located in neither of these rooms.  The laundry room is excluded, and shall not be used as the furthest third fixture.  In multifamily cases where there is not another qualifying use point, the d_FurthestThird term equals zero. 

Table 4.4.6-1: Weighted Distance Coefficients

Distribution System
x
y
z
Non-Recirculating
0.4
0.4
0.2
Recirculating
0.0
0.0
1.0

Note that the calculations are only based on horizontal plan view distance measurements from the center of the water heater to the center of the use point in the designated location. Vertical pipe run lengths (for example, the vertical distance from the first to second floor) is neglected in the calculations. Use points that are located on floors different than the water heater would have their location translated to the floor where the water heater is located.

In single family homes with multiple water heaters, the Weighted Distance “z term” calculation is performed for each water heater to arrive at a Furthest Third term averaged over each of the “n” water heaters installed. For a non-recirculating distribution system, the resulting Weighted Distance calculation would include the Master Bath, the Kitchen and an average of the Furthest Third term for each of the installed water heaters. (For recirculating systems, similarly the Furthest Third term would represent an average across the “n” water heaters.)

The Qualification Distance is a function of conditioned floor area (CFA), number of stories, and number of installed water heaters. The Qualification Distance for systems with multiple water heaters is identified by using the equation for the appropriate distribution system (recirculation or non-recirculation), and dividing by the number of water heaters installed as shown in the Equation below:

Qualification Distance = (a + b * CFA) / n

Where:

  1. a, b    =    Qualification distance coefficients (unitless), see Table 4.4.6-2,
  2. CFA    =    Conditioned floor area of the dwelling unit (ft2), and
  3. n    =    Number of water heaters in the dwelling unit (unitless).

Table 4.4.6-2: Coefficients for the Qualification Distance Calculation

Building Type
Coefficient a Non-Recirculating
Coefficient a Recirculating
Coefficient b Non-Recirculating
Coefficient b Recirculating
Single Family
One story
10
22.7
0.0095
0.0099
Single Family
Two story
15
11.5
0.0045
0.0095
Single Family
Three story
10
0.5
0.0030
0.014
Multifamily
One story
7.5
n/a
0.0080
n/a
Multifamily
Two or more story
7.5
n/a
0.0050
n/a
RA4.4.7 - Recirculation Systems
RA4.4.7.1 Installation requirements for all recirculation systems

The supply portion of each circulation loop, the first five feet of branches off the loop and the dedicated return line are insulated based on the conductivity range in Table 120.3-A and the insulation level shall be selected from the fluid temperature range based on the thickness requirements in Table 120.3-A and the insulation shall be installed in accordance with Proper Installation of Pipe Insulation. Other hot water piping shall meet the requirements of §150.0(j) and be installed in accordance with Proper Installation of Pipe Insulation R4.4.1.

A check valve shall be installed in the recirculation loop to prevent unintentional circulation of the water (thermo-siphoning) and back flow when the system is not operating. This check valve may be included with the pump.

The hot water distribution system piping from the water heater(s) to the fixtures and appliances must take the most direct path. For example, in a house with more than 1-story and the water heater in the garage, this requirement would exclude running hot water supply piping from the water heater to the attic, and then running the line back down to a first floor point of use.

The recirculation pump can be located external to the water heater or be integral to the water heater.

The manufacturer(s) of the recirculation pump and the controls shall provide installation and operation instructions that provide details of the operation of the pump and controls and such instructions shall be available at the jobsite for inspection.

RA4.4.8 Recirculation with non-demand controls 

All recirculation controls with the exception of demand recirculation control systems fall under this category.

  1. More than one circulation loop may be installed. Each loop shall have its own pump and controls.
  2. The active control shall be either: timer, temperature, or time and temperature. Timers shall be set to less than 24 hours. The temperature sensor shall be connected to the piping and to the controls for the pump.
RA4.4.9 Demand Recirculation; Manual Control 

Demand controlled recirculation systems shall operate “on-demand”, meaning that pump operation shall be initiated shortly prior to the hot water draw. The controls shall operate on the principal of shutting off the pump with a sensed rise in pipe temperature (Delta-T). For this measure a manual switch is used to activate the pump.

  1. More than one circulation loop may be installed. Each loop shall have its own pump and controls.
  2. Manual controls shall be located in the kitchen, bathrooms, and any hot water fixture location that is at least 20 feet (measured along the hot water piping) from the water heater.
  3. Manual controlled systems may be activated by wired or wireless mechanisms, Manual controls shall have standby power of 1 watt or less.
  4. Pump and demand control placement meets one of the following criteria.

      1.  When a dedicated return line has been installed the pump, demand controls and thermo-sensor are installed at the end of the supply portion of the recirculation loop (typically under a sink); or 

      2. The pump and demand controls are installed on the return line near the water heater and the thermo-sensor is installed in an accessible location as close to the end of the supply portion of the recirculation loop as possible (typically under a sink), or 

      3. When the cold water line is used as the return, the pump, demand controls and thermo-sensor is installed in an accessible location at the end of supply portion of the hot water distribution line (typically under a sink). 

  5. Insulation is not required on the cold water line when it is used as the return.
  6. Demand controls shall be able to shut off the pump in accordance with one of the following two methods:

      1.    After the pump has been activated, the controls shall allow the pump to operate until the water temperature at the thermo-sensor rises not more than 10ºF (5.6 ºC ) above the initial temperature of the water in the pipe, or

      2.    The controls shall not allow the pump to operate when the temperature in the pipe exceeds 102ºF (38.9 ºC).

    1. The controls shall limit pump operation to a maximum of 5 minutes following any activation. This is provided in the event that the normal means of shutting off the pump have failed.

RA4.4.10 - Demand Recirculation; Sensor Control

Demand controlled recirculation systems shall operate “on-demand”, meaning that pump operation shall be initiated shortly prior to the hot water draw. The controls shall operate on the principal of shutting off the pump with a sensed rise in pipe temperature (Delta-T). For this measure a sensor control is used to activate the pump rather than a manual control.

(a) More than one circulation loop may be installed. Each loop shall have its own pump and controls.
(b) Sensor controls shall be located in the kitchen, bathrooms, and any hot water fixture location that is at least 20 feet (measured along the hot water piping) from the water heater.
(c) Sensor controlled systems may be activated by wired or wireless mechanisms, including motion sensors, door switches and flow switches. Sensors controls shall have standby power of 1 watt or less.
(d) Pump and demand control placement meets one of the following criteria.
  1. When a dedicated return line has been installed the pump, demand controls and thermo-sensor are installed at the end of the supply portion of the recirculation loop (typically under a sink); or
  2. The pump and demand controls are installed on the return line near the water heater and the thermo-sensor is installed in an accessible location as close to the end of the supply portion of the recirculation loop as possible (typically under a sink), or
  3. When the cold water line is used as the return, the pump, demand controls and thermo-sensor is installed in an accessible location at the end of supply portion of the hot water distribution line (typically under a sink).
(e) Insulation is not required on the cold water line when it is used as the return.
(f) Demand controls shall be able to shut off the pump in accordance with one of the following two methods:
  1. After the pump has been activated, the controls shall allow the pump to operate until the water temperature at the thermo-sensor rises not more than 10ºF ( 5.6 ºC ) above the initial temperature of the water in the pipe, or
  2. The controls shall not allow the pump to operate when the temperature in the pipe exceeds 102ºF (38.9 ºC)
(g) The controls shall limit pump operation to a maximum of 5 minutes following any activation. This is provided in the event that the normal means of shutting off the pump have failed.
RA4.4.11 Multiple Dwelling Units: Recirculation Temperature Modulation Control

A recirculation temperature modulation control shall reduce the hot water supply temperature when hot water demand is determined to be low by the control system. The control system may use a fixed control schedule or dynamic control schedules based measurements of hot water demand. The daily hot water supply temperature reduction, which is defined as the sum of temperature reduction by the control in each hour within a 24-hour period, shall be more than 50 degrees Fahrenheit to qualify for the energy savings credit.

Recirculation systems shall also meet the requirements of §110.3.

RA4.4.12 Multiple Dwelling Units: Recirculation Continuous Monitoring Systems

Systems that qualify as a recirculation continuous monitoring systems for domestic hot water systems serving multiple dwelling units shall record no less frequently than hourly measurements of key system operation parameters, including hot water supply temperatures, hot water return temperatures, and status of gas valve relays of water heating equipment. The continuous monitoring system shall automatically alert building operators of abnormalities identified from monitoring results.

Recirculation systems shall also meet the requirements of §110.3.

RA4.4.13 Multiple Dwelling Units: Demand Recirculation

Demand controlled recirculation systems shall operate “on-demand”, meaning that pump operation shall be initiated shortly prior to, or by a hot water draw. The controls shall operate on the principal of shutting off the pump with a sensed rise in pipe temperature (Delta-T). For this measure sensor or manual controls may be used to activate the pump(s).

(a) Manual or sensor controls shall be installed and if powered, have standby power of 1 watt or less. Controls may be located in individual units or on the loop. Controls may be activated by wired or wireless mechanisms, including buttons, motion sensors, door switches and flow switches.     

(b) Pump and control placement shall meet one of the following criteria:         

1. When a dedicated return line has been installed the pump, controls and thermo-sensor are installed at the end of the supply portion of the recirculation loop; or         

2.The pump and controls are installed on the dedicated return line near the water heater and the thermo-sensor is installed in an accessible location as close to the end of the supply portion of the recirculation loop as possible, or            

3. When the cold water line is used as the return, the pump, demand controls and thermosensor shall be installed in an accessible location at the end of supply portion of the hot water distribution line (typically under a sink).            

(c) Insulation is not required on the cold water line when it is used as the return.
(d) Demand controls shall be able to shut off the pump in accordance with these three methods:
1. After the pump has been activated, the controls shall allow the pump to operate until the water temperature at the thermo-sensor rises not more than 10ºF ( 5.6ºC ) above the initial temperature of the water in the pipe, or
2. The controls shall not allow the pump to operate when the temperature in the pipe exceeds 102ºF (38.9ºC).
3. The controls shall limit pump operation to a maximum of 10 minutes following any activation. This is provided in the event that the normal means of shutting off the pump have failed.

Recirculation systems shall also meet the requirements of §110.3.

RA4.4.14 Verified Pipe Insulation for Single Dwelling

Consistent with the requirements of RA3.6.2, this measure requires an ECC-rater to verify that all hot water piping is insulated correctly.

RA4.4.15 Verified Parallel Piping

Consistent with the requirements of RA4.4.4 this measure requires an ECC-rater to verify that the length of pipe between the water heater and each central manifold does not exceed 5 feet and to verify pipe insulation.

RA4.4.16 Verified Compact Hot Water Distribution System Expanded Credit

A ECC-rater verification is required in order to obtain this credit. To meet the Compact Hot Water Distribution System Expanded Credit eligibility requirements, the requirements in RA4.4.6 must be met. In addition, the followinfield verifications are required:

  1. No hot water piping >1” diameter piping is allowed,
  2. Length of 1” diameter piping is limited to 8 ft or less,
  3. Two and three story buildings cannot have hot water distribution piping in the attic, unless the water heater is also located in the attic and,
  4. Eligible recirculating systems must be Verified Demand Recirculation: Manual Control conforming to RA4.4.17.
RA4.4.17 Verified Demand Recirculation: Manual Control

This measure shall include a visual ECC-rater inspection to verify that the demand pump, manual controls and thermo-sensor are present and operating properly.

RA4.4.18 Verified Demand Recirculation: Sensor Control

This measure shall include a visual ECC-rater inspection to verify that the demand pump, sensor controls and thermo-sensor are present and operating properly.

RA4.4.19 Multiple Dwelling Units: Master Mixing Valves

For central systems with hot water piping serving multiple dwelling units master mixing valves (MMV) shall meet the following minimum specification, installation, and startup requirements.

RA4.4.19.1 Plumbing Plans

The plumbing plans shall include the following MMV specification at a minimum:

(a) Manufacturer’s installation and commissioning instructions and plumbing drawings.
(b) MMV conforms to the American Society of Sanitation Engineers (ASSE) 1017-2009 standard, Performance Requirements for Temperature Actuated Mixing Valves for Hot Water Distribution Systems.
(c) Water mixing parameters and associated values:
  1. Input parameters
    1. Recirculation pump flow rate
    2. Mixing valve outlet water temperature
    3. Recirculation return water temperature
    4. Mixing valve hot inlet water temperature
  2. Calculated parameters
    1. Percentage of water flow returning to cold side of MMV
    2. Percentage of water flow returning to hot side of MMV
  3. Manufacturer’s operating parameter
    1. Maximum water mixing ratio

These input parameters shall be used to calculate percentage of water flow on cold side and hot side of MV during recirculation water flow only condition to determine if the water mixing ratio exceeds mixing capability of the specified master mixing valve. If the calculated water flow ratio to the MMV inlet exceeds manufacturer’s recommendations for that valve, the designer shall provide instructions to commission the balancing valve to eliminate temperature creep to mitigate scalding risk after periods of no water draw.

RA4.4.19.2 Installation

Installation of MMV shall meet manufacturer’s instruction and the following requirements at a minimum:

(a)  The MMV shall be installed on the central heating plant hot water supply outlet header leading to the recirculation loop.

(b)  Check valves installed on the recirculation return line and cold-water line to inlet cold connection of MMV and on recirculation return piping leading back to storage tank or water heater.

(c)  Isolation valves installed on the inlet cold water, inlet recirculation return, inlet hot and outlet connections to MMV and on recirculation return piping connection to storage tank or water heater.

(d)  Balancing valve installed on the recirculation return piping to the water heater for MMVs that cannot 100% close the hot inlet port during operation.

(e)  Thermometers installed on the outlet of the MMV and on the recirculation return line next the water pump.

RA4.4.19.3 Startup

(a)  Startup testing of MMV during recirculation only operation.

1. Close all hot fixtures in the domestic water system.

2. Ensure that the water heater is operational and idling with storage tank plumbed to the mixing valve and meeting the hot inlet temperature specified in the plumbing plans.

3. Start the recirculation pump and set mixed outlet temperature or setpoint temperature on the MMV. Start the circulation pump at the specified water flow rate and adjust as needed to meet recirculation return temperature specified in the plumbing plans.

4. Let distribution system warm up and stabilize for 30 minutes and adjust mixing parameters as needed to realign with values in plumbing plans.

5. Let the recirculation pump operate for three hours without any water draws to ensure there is no temperature creep.

6. If during or after the three-hour period the MMV outlet and return temperature stays elevated by greater than 2°F and doesn’t return back to the specified temperature, then make necessary adjustments to the MMV. If temperature creep persists with mechanical MMV, adjust the balancing valve as necessary on the recirculation return line leading back to the water heater to ensure average MMV outlet temperature meets the specified temperature.

7. If adjustments are made to MMV or balancing valve in Step 6, then repeat Step 5.

(b)  Startup testing of MMV for a combination of recirculation and hot water draws.

1. Once the MMV is operational in a closed loop, make a water draw for 10 minutes using one of the following options:

A. With a shower operating at full flow at every: three dwelling units in a building with 15 or fewer dwelling units, five dwelling units in a building with 16 to 30 dwelling units, eight dwelling units in a building with 31 to 60 dwelling units, ten dwelling units in a building than 60 to 20 dwelling units, twenty dwelling units in a building with more than 200 dwelling units.

B. The hot water valve on a hose bib, mop sink, or other fixture on the branch line or location on the hot water distribution line is opened to a draw volume of 1 gpm for every: three dwelling units in a building with 15 or fewer dwelling units, five dwelling units in a building with 16 to 30 dwelling units, eight dwelling units in a building with 31 to 60 dwelling units, ten dwelling units in a building than 60 to 200 dwelling units, twenty dwelling units in a building with more than 200 dwelling units.

2. Monitor recirculation return temperature on the thermometer during the 10-minute draw period and ensure design return water temperature is maintained at the specified temperature documented in the plumbing plans.

3. If the recirculation return temperature falls more than 5°F below the specified temperature during the draw period, then adjust MMV setup to ensure compliance.

RA4.4.20 Solar Water Heating Systems

Solar water-heating systems and/or collectors shall be certified and rated by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, Research and Testing (IAPMO R&T), or by a listing agency that is approved by the Executive Director.

To use collectors with the SRCC OG-100 certification and rating, the installed system shall meet the following eligibility criteria:

  1. Include all of the features modeled and generated in the Commission approved solar savings fraction calculation.
  2. The collectors shall be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. The collectors shall be located in a position that is not shaded by adjacent buildings or trees between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM (solar time) on December 21.

To use a solar water-heating system with the SRCC OG-300 certification and rating, the installed system shall meet the following eligibility criteria:

  1. The collectors shall face within 35 degrees of south and be tilted at a slope of at least 3:12.
  2. The system shall be installed in the exact configuration for which it was rated. The system shall have the same collectors, pumps, controls, storage tank and backup water heater fuel type as the rated condition.
  3. The system shall be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  4. The collectors shall be located in a position that is not shaded by adjacent buildings or trees between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM (solar time) on December 21.
RA4.4.21 Verified Drain Water Heat Recovery System

An ECC-rater inspection is required to obtain this credit. All DWHR unit(s) shall be certified to the Energy Commission according to the following requirements:

    1. Vertical DWHR unit(s) shall be compliant with CSA B55.2 and tested and labeled in accordance with CSA B55.1 or IAPMO IGC 346-2017. Sloped DWHR unit(s) shall be compliant with IAPMO PS 92 and tested and labeled with IAPMO IGC 346-2017.
    2. The DWHR unit(s) shall have a minimum rated effectiveness of 42 percent.

The ECC-rater shall verify that:

    1. The make, model, and CSA B55.1 or IAPMO IGC 346-2017 rated effectiveness of the DWHR unit(s) shall match the compliance documents. The DWHR unit(s) shall also be verified as a model certified to the Energy Commission as qualified for credit as a DWHR unit(s).
    2. The installation configuration (e.g., equal flow, unequal flow to the water heater, or unequal flow to the showers) and the percent of served shower fixtures shall match the compliance documents.
    3. For water heating system serving a single dwelling, the DWHR system shall, at the minimum, recover heat from the master bathroom shower and must at least transfer that heat either back to all the respective showers or the water heater.
    4. For central water heating system serving multiple dwellings, the DWHR system shall, at the minimum, recover heat from half the showers located above the first floor and must at least transfer that heat either back to all the respective showers or the water heater.
    5. The DWHR unit(s) shall be installed within 1 degrees of the rated slope. Sloped DWHR shall have a minimum lengthwise slope of 1 degree. The lateral level tolerance shall be within plus or minus 1 degree.
    6. The installation shall comply with any applicable California Plumbing Code requirements.
RA4.5 Other Measures
RA4.5.1 Controlled Ventilation Crawlspace (CVC)

Drainage. Proper enforcement of site engineering and drainage, and emphasis on the importance of proper landscaping techniques in maintaining adequate site drainage, is critical.

Ground Water and Soils. Local ground water tables at maximum winter recharge elevation should be below the lowest excavated site foundation elevations. Sites that are well drained and that do not have surface water problems are generally good candidates for this stem-wall insulation strategy. However, the eligibility of this alternative insulating technique is entirely at the enforcement agency officials' discretion. Where disagreements exist, it is incumbent upon the applicant to provide sufficient proof that site drainage strategies (e.g., perimeter drainage techniques) will prevent potential problems.

Ventilation. All crawl space vents must have automatic vent dampers to receive this credit. Automatic vent dampers must be shown on the building plans and installed. The dampers should be temperature actuated to be fully closed at approximately 40°F and fully open at approximately 70°F. Cross ventilation consisting of the required vent area reasonably distributed between opposing foundation walls is required.

Foam Plastic Insulating Materials. Foam plastic insulating materials must be shown on the plans and installed when complying with the following requirements:

Fire Safety—CBC Section 719. Products shall be protected as specified. Certain products have been approved for exposed use in under floor areas by testing and/or listing.

Direct Earth Contact—Foam plastic insulation used for crawl-space insulation having direct earth contact shall be a closed cell water resistant material and meet the slab-edge insulation requirements for water absorption and water vapor transmission rate specified in the mandatory measures.

Vapor Retarder: A Class I or Class II vapor retarder shall be placed over the earth floor of the crawl space to reduce moisture entry and protect insulation from condensation, as specified in the exception to Section 150.0(d).

RA4.5.2 Sunspace

The installation of a sunspace can be a very beneficial energy features in many parts of California. However, if orientation fenestration area or fenestration performance values are installed that to not match compliance documentation then the performance of a sunroom can have significant negative energy impacts. Another critical component of sunroom is ventilation. Sunrooms must have the ability to vent to the outside and to provide airflow to the rest of the house. If any of these components are not present in the actual installation the performance documentation should be reviewed carefully.

RA4.5.3 Multiple Orientations Compliance

When all orientations are used to document compliance as allowed under Section 150.1(c)4 Exception, the following guidelines shall be met. Compliance for multifamily or subdivisions that is based upon multiple orientation the annual energy consumption for each specific design (including the reverse images of that design) must be calculated in each of the four cardinal orientations: true north, true east, true south and true west. With this option, a dwelling unit plan must be modeled using the identical combination of energy features and levels in each orientation, and must comply with the energy budget in each case. All of the orientation must either use the reversed plan or the original/standard to demonstrate compliance. 

If the dwelling unit have unique designs or energy features the dwelling unit plan must be modeled using the worst-case condition for the energy features that the plan may contain (e.g., highest glazing percentage, least overhangs, largest wall surface area, and with exterior walls instead of party walls if applicable). See Reference Residential Appendix RA 2.6.1 for information that describes how to determine when a dwelling is considered to be a unique model. Each unique dwelling plan must also be modeled separately for each unique floor level. The option of modeling each individual dwelling unit, with its unique characteristics separately according to its actual orientation is always an acceptable alternative.