Title 24 Compliance Checklist for New Home Construction in California
Building a new home in California involves more than meeting structural requirements. Energy efficiency is also an important part of the construction and permitting process. California’s Title 24, Part 6 Energy Code establishes requirements designed to improve building efficiency, reduce unnecessary energy use and support better-performing homes. For permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, projects must comply with the 2025 Energy Code.
Start With a Title 24 Energy Compliance Plan
The first step is to determine how the proposed home will meet the applicable energy requirements. California provides both prescriptive and performance compliance approaches. The prescriptive approach follows specified efficiency measures, while the performance approach uses an energy model to demonstrate that the proposed design meets the required energy budget.
The compliance review may cover important components such as the building envelope, insulation, windows, HVAC equipment, ventilation, lighting, water heating and other energy-related systems. The project’s location and climate zone also influence applicable requirements.
Starting the energy analysis during the design stage can help builders identify potential compliance issues before construction begins. It can also make it easier to prepare the documentation needed for the building permit.
HERS verification for new construction: https://www.cobrosenergysolution.com/
Verify HVAC, Ductwork, Insulation and Other Energy Measures
Once construction begins, the materials and equipment installed on-site need to match the approved compliance design. HVAC systems, ductwork, insulation, air leakage, ventilation, refrigerant charge and other applicable measures may require installation documentation, testing, or field verification.
For 2025 Energy Code projects, California now uses the Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Program for applicable field verification and diagnostic testing rather than the previous HERS compliance program. Depending on the project, required compliance documents may include certificates of compliance, installation and verification.
California’s current compliance documentation includes verification items such as duct leakage testing, HVAC airflow, refrigerant charge verification, rated equipment verification, mechanical ventilation and building air leakage testing when applicable.
Complete Documentation Before Final Approval
A Title 24 compliance checklist should not end when the construction work is finished. The final stage involves making sure required compliance forms, installation records, verification reports and other supporting documents are completed correctly.
For projects requiring ECC verification, applicable documents must be registered through an approved ECC provider before submission to the building department.
A final review can help identify missing documentation or installation issues before they create delays during inspection or approval. Builders and homeowners can therefore benefit from addressing Title 24 requirements early, coordinating contractors with the compliance plan and confirming that required testing is completed at the appropriate construction stages.
For professional assistance with Title 24 energy compliance, energy calculations, HVAC-related verification and required documentation, Cobros Energy Solution can help California construction projects stay organized and aligned with applicable energy requirements.
