10 Jul

Water Heater in Title 24: What You Need to Know?

Water Heater in Title 24: What You Need to Know?:

Title 24 is a set of Building energy efficiency standards for buildings in California. It covers various aspects of building design and construction, such as insulation, lighting, windows, and water heating.

One of the major components of Title 24 report is the water heating system, which typically provides hot water for uses such as bathing, cleaning, cooking, and space heating.

Depending on the type and size of the building, different water heating systems may be required or recommended by Title 24 Energy Calculations and may requires a HERS Testing. In this article, we will focus on the water heating standards for residential buildings, which include single-family homes, multifamily buildings, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Types of Water Heating Systems

There are many types of water heating systems available in the market, each with its own Pros and cons. Some of the common types are:

- Storage water heaters: These are the most traditional and widely used type of water heaters. They consist of a tank that stores hot water and a burner or heating element that heats the water.
  Storage water heaters are devices that heat and store water for on-demand use. They can use gas, electricity, or oil as fuel sources and have different efficiency standards based on their tank size.
  Gas water heaters have a small flame, a heating element, a pipe, and a control. Electric water heaters have a resistance heating element and can be grid-enabled for demand response programs. Electric water heaters are not allowed by the prescriptive method of Title 24 compliance but can be used with the performance method.
- Tankless water heaters: These are also known as on-demand water heaters or instantaneous water heaters. They do not have a storage tank, but instead, heat the water as it flows through a heat exchanger when a hot water faucet is turned on. many ADU in California Depends on Tankless water heaters.
- Tankless water heaters can provide continuous hot water without wasting energy on standby losses. However, they may have a limited flow rate and require higher installation costs. Tankless water heaters come in two types: Tankless water heater electric and Tankless water heater gas.
- Heat pump water heaters are electric water heaters. They use a compressor to transfer heat from the air to the water tank. It also includes fans, storage tanks, pumps, controls, and backup electric resistance elements to ensure hot water delivery in different conditions.
  The performance of HPWHs depends on the storage water temperature, the inlet air temperature, and the hot water demand.
  HPWHs are more efficient in warmer climates and locations, but they can still save energy in colder areas compared to conventional electric resistance water heaters. If the HPWH is installed in a confined closet, it may need ducting to discharge exhaust air and prevent overcooling of the air, which can reduce its efficiency.
- Indirect water heaters: These are a type of storage water heaters that use a separate heat source to heat the water in the tank.
- Integrated water heaters: These are a type of combination systems that provide both space heating and water heating in one unit. They can use a variety of technologies, such as condensing gas boilers, heat pumps, or solar thermal systems. Integrated water heaters can save space and energy by reducing the need for separate systems. However, they may have higher upfront costs and require proper sizing and maintenance.
- Solar water heaters use solar collectors to capture the sun’s energy and heat water in a storage tank or heat exchanger. They are a type of renewable energy system. Solar water heaters can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by using free and clean solar energy. However, they may have higher upfront costs and require backup systems for cloudy days or periods of high demand.

Contact Title 24 Calcs to obtain a Title 24 Certification cost and discuss your project.

20 May

California Energy Code – Impact on Building Design

California Energy Code and its Impact on Sustainable Building Design

The California Energy Code is a set of rules and standards to make sure buildings in California are energy efficient. These rules aim to use less energy, encourage renewable energy, and lessen the environmental effects of buildings.

The California Energy Code is called Title 24 energy code and is part of the California Code of Regulations. Title 24 is about saving energy and includes things like how to design, build, and run homes and buildings efficiently.

One of the key objectives of the California Energy Code is to reduce the energy consumption of buildings. Various requirements and standards address different aspects of building design and construction to achieve this. For example, the code sets minimum energy efficiency standards for building materials, insulation, windows, and lighting systems. It also mandates the use of energy-efficient appliances and equipment, such as HVAC systems and water heaters.

In addition to reducing energy consumption, the California Energy Code also promotes the use of renewable energy sources. Buildings must use renewable energy systems like solar panels or wind turbines to produce some of their energy. This helps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Compliance with the California Energy Code is mandatory for all new construction and major renovations in the state. Building projects must meet the code’s requirements and undergo inspections to ensure compliance. Non-compliance can result in penalties and delays in obtaining permits and approvals.

The California Energy Code sets rules for new building design, construction, and changes to existing buildings. The main aim is to use less energy, encourage renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.

The Title 24 covers various aspects of building design and performance, including:

Building envelope: The energy code sets rules for the components of building envelope such as exterior wall insulation, windows, vapor barriers and air leakage to make sure things stay warm and heat doesn’t escape.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) Mechanical systems: The Energy code sets rules for energy-saving HVAC equipment, including efficiency, duct insulation, and control system requirements.
Lighting: The energy code has rules for energy-saving lights, like efficient lamps, motion sensors, and controls for natural light.
Water heating: The energy code has rules for good water heating systems, like insulation, pipe insulation, and controls.
Renewable energy: The energy code requires new buildings to have solar panels or other renewable energy systems. This promotes the use of renewable energy.
Energy modeling and compliance: Builders and designers must use energy modeling software to show they follow the energy code. This helps check how well a building uses energy and find ways to make it better.

The California Energy Code regularly updates to incorporate new energy-efficient technologies and advancements.

Compliance with California energy code: Prescriptive vs performance

To follow the California Energy Code, you can use two methods: prescriptive and performance-based approaches for title 24 calculation. Both strategies aim to enhance building energy efficiency, but they differ in their implementation.

Prescriptive Approach:
The prescriptive method entails adhering to a specific set of predetermined energy requirements and guidelines outlined in the California Energy Code. Builders and designers need to follow these prescribed measures precisely to meet compliance and obtain title 24 certification. This method is simple and easy to use. However, it may not be the best choice for achieving the most efficient energy use for a specific project.
Performance-Based Approach:
In contrast, the performance-based approach allows for more flexibility in meeting energy efficiency targets. Instead of strictly adhering to predefined requirements, this method focuses on achieving specific performance outcomes. Simulations and modeling evaluate a building’s energy efficiency. This method allows designers and builders to use creative solutions that may not follow the rules but show better energy efficiency.

Both approaches have their advantages and may be suitable for different projects Title 24 forms are slightly different between both approaches.

While the prescriptive method offers clarity and simplicity, the performance-based approach encourages innovation and optimization. Project teams must assess the building’s goals, limitations, and complexity. This assessment will help them choose the most suitable way to comply with California’s energy efficiency standards. Additionally, it will promote a greener built environment.

Contact Title 24 calcs to speak with an energy consultant. They can provide guidance on how to comply with Title 24 for your project.

Additionally, you can obtain a Title 24 report from them. Once you have the report, make sure to submit it to the building department. Get a Title 24 report and submit it to the building department.

13 Apr

Title 24 2022 Update-Impact on Single-Family Building

Performance Compliance:

New energy design rating (EDR) metrics – EDR1, Title 24 Compliance now require to meet EDR1, efficiency EDR2, and total EDR2 separately.

Prescriptive Compliance:

Space heating equipment must be a heat pump only in certain climate zone.
Water heating equipment must be an HPWH meeting certain criteria or a solar water heating system with an electric backup.
a gas instantaneous water heater in a certain climate zone is allowed if the space air conditioning unit is a heat pump
install a tankless electric water heater with point-of-use distribution is allowed in the new unit under 500 SF
a whole-house fan is not required in a new dwelling unit with a conditioned floor area under 500 SF

23 May

Title 24 Compliance Method : Prescriptive vs Performance

California leads in energy efficiency, and building owners and contractors must follow the state’s energy code, Title 24. When it comes to energy compliance, there are two main methods to choose from: the prescriptive method and the performance method.

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20 Mar

Building Envelope: A Key Element in Title 24 Compliance

In California, the energy efficiency of buildings is controlled by Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. To follow these rules, it’s important to know about the building envelope. The building envelope includes the walls, roof, and windows, and it affects how energy efficient a building is. This article will talk about the building envelope and how it relates to following Title 24.

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Tag: HERS