Get Mandatory Measures Residential 2009-2025

By law, all new furnaces must have an AFUE rating of 78% or higher. So anything above that is technically “good.” However, to be ENERGY STAR certified, your furnace must have an AFUE rating of 85-90% or higher.

Packaged air-cooled HVAC equipment from 5.4 to 11.1 ton capacities must have a minimum Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) of 11.2, and minimum Integrated Energy Efficiency Rating (IEER) of 12.9.

For example, in California, air conditioners must have a minimum SEER of 14. A higher efficiency unit, even a 25 SEER, does not blow cooler air than a lower unit. The higher rating means that the air conditioner will provide the same cooling power for less money.

In California, Title 24 is triggered whenever a building permit is pulled. So, if you pulled a permit, you need your plans reviewed or building inspected. All new construction projects require compliance with Title 24, as do new additions.

Title 24, part 6 California Energy Code is the Energy Efficiency Standards for residential and nonresidential buildings, new construction, remodels and additions. Energy Code Ace is a new site developed by the California Statewide Codes and Standards Program here to help you meet the requirements of Title 24, part 6.

SEER, EER and HSPF Requirements in California For example, in California, a split-system AC with a certified cooling capacity of less than 45,000 British Thermal Units per Hour (Btu/hr) must have a minimum SEER2 rating of 14.3 and an EER2 rating of 11.7 or 9.8.

Q: What is Title 24? Title 24 California Building Standards Code is a broad set of requirements for “energy conservation, green design, construction and maintenance, fire and life safety, and accessibility” that apply to the “structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems” in a building.

On January 1, 2023, the efficiency rating for air conditioners in the southwest region increased from 14 SEER to 15 SEER (or 14.3 SEER2). This means that all air conditioners installed in California must meet or exceed that efficiency rating starting this year. Heat pump and furnace ratings also increased.