The Energy Commission has several resources to help designers, builders, homeowners and others understand and apply the Energy Standards.
A. Telephone Hotline
If the information contained in the Energy 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 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, the 2016 Reference Appendices, and the 2016 Residential ACM Approval and Reference Manuals, and others are available from the Energy Commission’s website at http://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 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 training opportunities offered throughout the state. The Blueprint is available online at http://www.energy.ca.gov/efficiency/blueprint.
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. Appliance Standards information is available from the Energy Commission website at http://www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/.
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, and so forth can be searched from the Energy Commission’s website at
http://www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/.
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.
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 Energy Standards. These classes are often 'listed in the Blueprint or posted on the Energy Commission’s website at http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24.
Energy Code Ace offers free tools, training, and resources to help identify the compliance documents, installation techniques, and standards relevant to building projects in California. Energy Code Ace resources provide fact sheets, trigger sheets and checklists to help readers understand when Title 24, Part 6 is “triggered” and how to correctly comply when it is.
This program is funded by California utility customers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission and in support of the Energy Commission.
The California Association of Building Energy Consultants (CABEC) maintains a directory of consultants who provide compliance assistance. The listing is available at http://www.cabec.org.
The Energy Commission has a series of streaming videos that explain energy efficiency concepts and the application of the Energy Standards. These videos cover topics including plan checking, field inspection, HVAC, HERS, water heating, building envelope, and renewable energy. They can be viewed at http://www.energyvideos.com.
To comply with the Energy Standards, some buildings require third-party diagnostic testing or field verification of energy efficient systems or devices. HERS 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 his or her 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.