TITLE 24 & Zoning for Energy Savings and Comfort
WHAT IS TITLE 24?
The installation of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) is regulated, in California, in large part by Title 24.
The Energy Commission adopted the 2005 & 2008 changes to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, for a number of compelling reasons as elaborated about in Energy Policy and summarized below:
- To respond to California's energy crisis & reduce energy bills
- Increase energy delivery system reliability,
- Contribute to an improved economic condition for the state;
- To emphasize energy efficiency measures that save energy at peak periods and seasons
- Improve the quality of implementation of energy efficiency measures,
- Collaborate with California utility companies.
Title 24 determines, amongst other things,
- The types of HVAC systems allowed to be installed,
- The way the HVAC systems should be insulated and sealed,
- How refrigerant charge should be optimized
Title 24 focuses on Energy Efficiency
In January 2010, the modifications to Title 24 proposed in 2008 and amending the 2005 rules, went into effect, focusing on reducing energy consumption by increasing the efficiency of the Air Conditioning and Heating systems in California, both for residential and commercial HVAC systems.
The exact law and the details on this topic can all be read about it by directly visiting the official website of California Energy Commission .
Alternatively, you may contact Best Comfort Systems Inc., at 855-419-2274or by email if you have any questions about how Title 24 specifically affects your case.
The requirements on the type of HVAC systems one may install today as well as the guidelines for their installation vary according to the geographical areas of California. You may check in which zone your home is located by going to California Climate Zones.
The pursuit of energy efficiency and energy saving is more intense than ever and so the rules have become all the more stringent and they will keep changing accommodating new technologies and new requirement in energy savings.
HOW DOES THE CHANGE IN CALIFORNIA TITLE 24 AFFECT YOU?
In summary, the regulations of the new Air Conditioning depend on:
- What geographical zone does the building/home belong to?
- What is the best SEER/EER for your needs; Minimum allowed in California today is 13 SEER.
- Requirement of a TXV
- Requirement for refrigerant charge measurement
- What level of insulation for the ducts are required?
- Requirement for a HERS Inspection.
Do not forget to:
- Review our guide for choosing a contractor.
- Have a city permit pulled.
Ultimately be on the safe side and call Best Comfort Systems Inc.,, at 855-419-2274 and receive a professional opinion.
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Zoning for Energy Savings and Comfort
When your family is sleeping, you are probably most concerned about the temperature of the bedrooms. Would you like to save energy by focusing heating or cooling on them?
When making dinner in the kitchen on a hot summer evening, would you like to be able to keep even the kitchen cool?
If you have central heating and air, the answer is Zoning.
Through Zoning, we divide your house into zones with similar needs for heating and cooling. Each zone is provided with its own thermostat for controlling temperature. When that zone is in use, heating or cooling can be focused on it. You help the environment and save on energy bills by reducing the heating and cooling for other parts of the house.
You may divide your home into the upstairs and downstairs, the living area and sleeping area or create different zones for the kitchen, dining room, family room, etc. You may create two to eight zones.
With Zoning, you save energy while maintaining optimum comfort in whichever part of the house your family is using.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are heating and cooling zones created? Warm air and cool air are delivered throughout your home in air ducts. Using a damper, like the ones in chimneys, the air system opens and shuts ducting so that the warm or cool air is focused in the parts of the home where it's needed. Simply by setting the thermostat, the dampers will open and close as needed.
If I already have a central heating and air system, can you create Zoning in my home? Yes! Give us a call and we can give you a free estimate. |
