FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

When does a building project require a Title 24 analysis and report?

Whenever any of the following conditions are met, a project requires a Title 24 energy compliance analysis and appropriate documentation:

• Whenever there is any new habitable space regardless of size, including unconditioned nonresidential space with new lighting;
• Whenever there is an increase in the conditioned floor area of the building(s);
• Whenever an existing unconditioned space such as a garage or attic is converted to conditioned space;
• Whenever an existing heated space is legalized (e.g., a basement family room which is being permitted as habitable space);
• Whenever fenestration (i.e., windows, French doors, skylights) in a residential alteration does not meet the minimum U-Factor and SHGC prescriptive requirements or an alteration includes more than 50 SF of new fenestration area;
• Whenever a residential gas water heater is replaced with an electric resistance water heater, or a gas furnace is replaced with an electric resistance heater;
• Whenever more than 50 SF of fenestration is added to a nonresidential building, or less than 50 SF is added and the fenestration does not meet the prescriptive U-Factor and SHGC in the Standards;
• Whenever 50% or more of the lighting fixtures in the permitted area of a nonresidential building are replaced, or when there is an increase in the total installed watts in the permitted area; and,
• Whenever nonresidential or high-rise residential mechanical heating and/or cooling equipment is installed for the first time or replaced with new equipment.

What is conditioned space?

Conditioned space is any enclosed area with at least 10 Btuh/SF of mechanical space heating or 5 Btuh/SF of mechanical space cooling. The space may be either directly or indirectly conditioned.

Is Title 24 energy compliance documentation required for very small additions?