1.9 Where to Get Help

The Energy Commission has a number of resources to help designers, builders, homeowners and others understand and apply the Standards.

1.9.1    Energy Commission Publications and Support

A.   Telephone Hotline

If the information contained in the Standards or this compliance 'manual are not sufficient to answer a specific question concerning compliance or enforcement, technical assistance is available from the Energy Standards Hotline.

You can reach the Energy Standards Hotline on weekdays from 8 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.:

(800) 772-3300

(916) 654-5106

B.   Publications

Publications, including the 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, the 2013 Reference Appendices, and the 2013 Residential ACM Approval and Reference Manuals, and others are available from the Energy Commission’s website at www.energy.ca.gov/title24. Paper copies may also be ordered from:

Publications Unit

California Energy Commission

1516 Ninth Street, MS-13

Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 654-5200

C.   Blueprint

The Energy Commission publishes the Blueprint, a quarterly newsletter that answers questions and addresses issues related to enforcement and compliance. The Blueprint also provides updated information on technical assistance and computer compliance programs and lists of training opportunities offered throughout the state. The Blueprint is available online at www.energy.ca.gov/efficiency/blueprint.

Figure 1-3 – Energy Commission Blueprint Newsletter

D.   Appliance Standards

Appliances, as defined by the Energy Commission, include everything from dishwashers and refrigerators to air conditioners and boilers. The performance of some appliances, such as air conditioners, water heaters, and furnaces, is critical to the building energy efficiency standards. The energy efficiency of other appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and clothes dryers is important to homeowners, but does not affect the building energy efficiency standards, since these are considered home furnishings.

The Energy Commission has comprehensive standards that affect the performance of many appliances. These are published in the 2012 Appliance Efficiency Regulations, CEC-400-2010-012. This document is available from the Energy Commission website at www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/ or can be ordered from the Energy Commission Publications Unit (see contact information above).

E.   Appliance Directories

The Energy Commission publishes information on the energy efficiency of appliances. Energy Commission approved directories can be used to determine if appliances meet the mandatory measures and/or the prescriptive requirements. Data may also be used in performance calculations. The Energy Standards Hotline can verify certification of appliances and provide information on appropriate directories.

The complete appliance database (including manufacturer, brand codes, rated efficiencies, etc.) can be searched from the Energy Commission’s website at:

www.appliances.energy.ca.gov/

F.   Directory of Certified Insulation Materials

Manufacturers whose insulating materials are certified for sale in California are 'listed in the Department of Consumer Affair’s Consumer Guide and Directory of Certified Insulation Material. Each building department receives a copy of this directory. If an insulating product is not 'listed in the directory, or to purchase a directory, contact the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Electronic Appliance and Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BEARHFTI), at (916) 999-2041.

1.9.2    Training Opportunities

If you are interested in attending a training seminar on the Standards, sign up to receive a free subscription to the Blueprint.

Some colleges provide classes on building energy conservation and the Standards. Information about these classes should be obtained directly from the college.

California utilities, organizations of energy consultants, building industry, trade associations, and organizations that serve building officials often sponsor or conduct classes on compliance and enforcement of the Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards. These classes are often 'listed in the Blueprint or posted on the Energy Commission’s website at www.energy.ca.gov/title24.

1.9.3    Energy Consultants

The California Association of Building Energy Consultants (CABEC) maintains a directory of consultants who provide compliance assistance. The listing is available at www.cabec.org.

1.9.4    Online Videos

The Energy Commission has a series of streaming videos (see Table 1-3 below) that explain energy efficiency concepts and the application of the standards. These videos cover topics including plan checking, field inspection, HVAC, HERS, water heating, building envelope, and renewable energy. They can be viewed at www.energyvideos.com.

Figure 1-4 – Energy Commission Video Series

More than 100 videos produced by the Energy Commission include discussions, instructions, resources, and requirements for building residential structures.

1.9.5    HERS Raters and Providers

To achieve compliance with the Standards, some buildings require third-party diagnostic testing or field verification of energy efficient systems or devices. HERS (Home Energy Rating System) raters are required to be hired by the builder or building owner to perform this work. Installing contractors may hire the HERS rater for HVAC changeouts only if the homeowner agrees that the installing contractor may do so on their behalf. The Energy Commission approves HERS providers who train, certify, and monitor HERS raters. For a list of the current HERS providers, please go the Energy Commission website at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/HERS/. To find a rater, go to the website of the approved HERS provider available on the Energy Commission’s website at the link above, or contact the Energy Standards Hotline at (800) 772-3300 (for calls within California) or (916) 654-5106 for assistance.

Table 1-3 – Energy Commission Video Series Titles