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2022 Title 24 Energy Code Changes: Single-Family Buildings

Updated: Aug 30, 2022

There are significant technical and structural changes that are part of the 2022 Title 24 changes making compliance more challenging than in previous revisions of the code which are detailed in a previous post here.


This post serves as a more detailed summary of the changes specific to Single-Family Buildings. This is not intended to be comprehensive. Rather, it is intended to provide a high-level summary of the changes that are coming to Single-Family Buildings.


These changes are effective January 1, 2023. Any projects that apply for a permit on or after this date will be subject to the 2022 standards.

 

Reminder: Mandatory v. Prescriptive v. Performance

Mandatory Measures

  • These measures are required regardless of the compliance approach used.

Prescriptive Measures

  • These measures are required when using the prescriptive compliance approach.

Performance Measures

  • These are optional features accounted for when doing performance-based computer modeling.

The most common type of compliance approach taken is performance-based computer modeling. However, the standards that are set forth in prescriptive measures inform the standard designs which are utilized in performance measures. Therefore, a more stringent set of prescriptive measures will make it more challenging to comply with either a prescriptive or performance approach.

 

Mandatory Measures

New Attic Systems

Covered under Section 150.0(a)1.

In climate zones 4 and 8 - 16, new attic systems require insulation either above or below the roof deck, or a combination. The overall U-Factor cannot exceed 0.184 (R-5 insulation).

  • This applies to the roof at the attic/rafter roof only.

  • Does not apply to the ceiling insulation requirements of an attic roof.

New Kitchen Hoods

Covered under Section 150.0(o)1G.

Sizing requirements are now dictated by Table 150.0-G which is based on:

  • Home size and

  • Fuel Type (Electric or Natural Gas)

Ventilation System Duct Sizing

Covered under Section 150.0(o)1G.

Sizing requirements are now dictated by Table 150.0-H which is based on:

  • Fan airflow rating (CFM).

Provides minimum duct diameter for both rigid and flexible ducts.

Energy Storage System (Battery-Ready)

Covered as part of Section 150.0(s), the standard requires single-family homes to be battery-storage ready, including:

  • At least one of the following shall be provided:

    • Interconnection equipment with a minimum backed up capacity of 60 amps.

    • A dedicated raceway from the main service to a subpanel that supplies the branch circuits.

  • A minimum of four branch circuits shall be identified feeding:

    • Refrigerator

    • One lighting circuit near the primary egress

    • A sleeping room receptacle outlet

  • Main panel must be minimum 225 amps.

  • Sufficient space shall be reserved to allow future installation of a system isolation equipment or transfer switch within 3 feet of the main panelboard.

  • Raceways shall be installed between the panelboard and the system isolation equipment or transfer switch location to allow the connection of backup power source.

Electric-Ready

Covered in multiple sections, the standard requires single-family homes to be electric-ready, including:

  • Water Heaters (Section 150.0(n))

    • Gas or propane water heaters must be installed in or adjacent to a space large enough to accommodate a Heat Pump Water Heater (2.5' x 2.5' x 7').

      • Within 3' of water heater, 10/3 electrical feed.

      • More than 3', 240-volt / 30 amp electrical feed.

  • Furnaces (Section 150.0(t))

    • Provide 240-volt / 30 amp electrical feed to the furnace for future heat pump.

  • Cooktops (Section 150.0(u))

    • Include 240-volt / 50 amp feed for future cooktop.

  • Dryers (Section 150.0(v))

    • Include 240-volt / 30 amp feed for dryer if the unit has a gas line for a dryer.

Each electric-ready item requires breaker space and labeling in the panel.

 

Prescriptive Measures

As with all prescriptive measures, an alternative is to comply via the Performance Approach.


Heat Pump Space Heating

Covered in section 150.1(c)6, heat pump space heating is required, when using the prescriptive approach for space conditioning systems and located in climate zones 3, 4, 13, and 14.


Domestic Hot Water

Covered in section 150.1(c)8. Prescriptive measures allow:

  • A single 240-volt heat pump water heater or

  • A solar water-heating system with electric backup and a minimum 70% solar savings fraction (SSF).

Exceptions to the Prescriptive Domestic Hot Water Heater Requirements

  1. Climate zones 3, 4, 13, and 14 can use gas tankless.

  2. New dwelling units less than, or equal to, 500 sqft CFA with point of use distribution may have an instantaneous electric water heater.

  3. New dwellings with 1 bedroom or less may use 120-volt heat pump water heater.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV)

Covered under Section 150.1(c)14.

  • No Solar photovoltaic (PV) is prescriptively required on a new home if the minimum required size < 1.8 kW.

Additions

Covered under Section 150.2 (a-b).

IAQ Fans are prescriptively required for additions and required in Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU).


Alterations

Covered under Section 150.2 (a-b).

Duct Systems

  • Alterations to duct system leakage must now test at 10% (formerly 15%).

Ceilings

  • Per Section 150.2(b)1J, altered ceilings must be insulated to R-49 in Climate Zones 1-4, 6, and 8-16.

    • Exception: Climate Zone 1, 3, and 6 with existing R-19 insulation verified.

Reroofing

  • Steep-Slope Roofs

    • In Climate Zones 4, 8-15, cool roof required with 0.20 aged solar reflectance.

  • Low-Slope Roofs

    • In Climate Zones 4, 6-15, a cool roof is required with 0.63 ages solar reflectance.

    • In Climate Zones 1, 2, 4, and 8-16, must install R-14 continuous insulation.

 

Related Posts

The following posts provide additional information about the changes surrounding the 2022 Title 24 Changes. Links will be updated as the posts are written.

 

C&S Energy Pro is committed to getting a fast turnaround on your Title 24 documents which will help ensure construction projects are completed on time and that consumers will be able to move into their homes quicker. Avoid the hassle of long wait times generally associated with Title 24 documentation and call us today!


References



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